How to Replace Thermostat Dodge Caravan 3.3L V6 2001-2010 EASY!

[@kellyanderson7115]

2001-2006 uses a flat gasket, such as a Fel-Pro 35651. On this range of years use a good gasket like the Fel-Pro. The first gasket I got was a simple $2 paper gasket. The major problem with the $2 gasket was that it was "generic" and the hole was too big...the thermostat would fit right through the center hole. That would mean the thermostat wouldn't be clamped properly and would no doubt be passing coolant even when the thermostat was closed. That would cause a very slow engine warmup. In cold climates that would definitely not be ideal. I also put a couple of dabs of silicone on opposite sides of the housing and pre-installed the thermostat, let that cure for 4 hrs or more. By using the silicone you can ensure that the thermostat stays properly oriented when bolting it to the engine. At the factory Dodge had staked the thermostat into the housing to accomplish the same thing.

[@mamafelton73]

Thank you for the heads up in the difference of the gaskets

[@mattevans5812]

Good video. 2 things to simplify this job: leave the hose clamped on, just undo the 2 bolts, and don't drain any coolant the hose is empty when engine is off. Some models use 13mm bolts and don't look like this video inside; the gasket is different and the way the thermostat is held in place is different.

[@fadellblk]

Thankx Matt, you answered the very question I was wondering, can you do this without draining the coolant 👍

[@hellcat64]

Thank god, i just got the coolent & radiator flushed. And vehical still warm was gona buy one but saw he drained it. Ur for sure i dont need to drain? ( studying to be a mechanic)

[@billandpech]

I was just about to say exactly that but saw your reply.

[@johnnyboycrypto]

Same just did it , hose was empty, is there a bleeder valve?

[@maddog5814]

Came here to check, was wondering if I can simply take the bolts out and just hold the hose up. Thank you!

[@Alapapi08]

Thank you I am a married woman with a husband who is incarcerated who always fix my cars. I have children and can't afford to go to the shop for every little thing. I know a frw local mechanics that don't charge a lot but I've been waiting over 2 weeks for someone to come and fix my car. This video helped me fix my own car Thank you.

[@darylturcott]

Thumbs up . But there is a drain hose connector on the bottom of the valve. Slip a hose over the nipple, rotate the square plug a quarter turn counter clockwise, pull it outward with pliers and coolant will neatly drain out the hose.

[@bevacker9669]

Best explanations I have found, clear precise and to the points. Koddo's to you you did an awesome video.

[@CrazyGSPMan]

Good video. Thanks. Autozone told me I needed an additional gasket. Which I do not need. I didn’t remember having to put a gasket between the housing and water neck 2 years ago. The rubber seal is all you need. Thanks

[@2carpros]

Thanks for watching!

[@donjohnson3701]

I’ve looked at a couple of vids and it looks like there are two types of thermostat housings, one with a plastic housing and gasket like here and another with a metal housing and a gasket ( use a felpro gasket). Got the funnel from Amazon great for coolant exchange as a high point vent.

[@weredig0]

on a side note I got home with the part ( Duralast #65695 ) and sat down to watch the video before I started working, it got to the part with the O-ring and I thought to myself "ah frack, that means I'll have to walk down to the store unless I can save the previous O-ring, I get the old thermostat off and pull the new one out of the box and, lo and behold it came with an O-ring ... so just so your future viewers are aware ... Thank you for the video it was amazingly educational and entertaining at the same time ...

[@bubzilla6137]

Dang, usually when someone says they'll put the link in the description and then they don't, it's ok because I don't intend to buy anyway. However, I really want that funnel now and despite saying the link would be there, I believe at least twice, there is no link... It's ok though. Now that I know it exists, I'll just have to search for it on the interwebs. Otherwise though, excellent video! Thank you so much for walking us through this and showing it too. Much appreciated! 🙂💙

[@2carpros]

It's in there, just scroll down a tad once expanded. Thanks for watching!

[@bubzilla6137]

​​@@2carprosOnly $20 for all those accessories? Nice! Thank you. Also, I don't know if KZbin glitched before or what, but it wasn't there last time. In fact, this time I didn't even have to expand, all the links were just right there. Given it's track record, I wouldn't be surprised to learn of this happening across the platform... 🙂

[@bubzilla6137]

@@2carpros By the way, watching your buddy I learned that I need an o-ring. I called O'Reilly's where I got the thermostat and was on the phone for a bit. Finally they said they have one, $1.36. Sounds about right to me so a friend drove me 10 miles so my engine could continue to cool. Get there only to find out what they quoted me was the housing gasket, which I already bought. The guy searches his computer for a bit then runs off to the back. Maybe 6-8 minutes later he returns. He said he dumped every single box in the back but couldn't find this other gasket. It looks like a secondary layer is added so I told him I'd try in on lieu of an o-ring. Went to Advance Auto next, their system shows nothing for thermostat o-ring. So Now I can't replace thermostat yet but had to drive 35 miles this morning. I stopped 7 times on the way due to overheating. I now have fluid all around the block. I'm concerned I may have blown the head gasket... Oof.

[@DandyDoesIt]

Very helpful. Best video I found. Much appreciated.

[@2carpros]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@dwightnutter4830]

9⁹

[@larryn2682]

Helpful to learn about my thermostat location and replacement. How about having the heater turned on to include that coolant?

[@2carpros]

Wont matter either way. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelbemvindo]

Awesome ! But not sure what you drained the cooling system - The Thermostat is above the coolant line.

[@2carpros]

I was changing the coolant anyways and I wanted to make as little mess as possible.

[@mishazorskiy357]

good video very descriptive, however - got 2 questions: 1 - how do you diagnose bad thermostat? 2 - should you flash the system, at least ones? Other than that - you good --> more videos plz!!!

[@crocodile1313]

Misha Zorskiy-- Does not look like anyone has answered your question, so I will give you my amateur mechanic answer: 1) A bad thermostat might trip the "check engine" light, but sometimes it will not. Take your car to most auto parts stores and they will plug in and run a diagnostic check for free. However, IF your vehicle is overheating EVERY time you run the engine, AND you have no leaks AND are still full of coolant, it is probably your thermostat. Like he said, replace the radiator cap too, just to be safe. 2) I changed the coolant, like shown in the video, but I did not "flush" my system. It's probably a good idea since you drained all the coolant anyway, but I am NOT a professional mechanic, and I don't have the time or desire to do that. Again, I am NOT a professional mechanic, so someone may give you better advice. Good luck!

[@KrOnIcTrIpY420]

No a bad thermostat will either be stuck open which does not let the engine warm up first or be stuck closed which will no let coolant flow the way it should and over heat or be half stuck open and closed which will take forever to warm the vehicle and causing the temp gauge to rise then while driving drop and no heat in the vehicle.

[@SummerLakeVizslas]

Great video, however it skipped an important step: how to get to inside the coil unit. Looks like I need to remove steering liquid reservoir ? Remove some cover from the unit ? 2CarPros, please remember, many of your watchers are car mechanic dummies, which need step by step direction (-: Otherwise, the video is great. Special thanks for the links to the thermostat and gasket.

[@2carpros]

Thanks for watching! But I didn't remove anything additional to get to the thermostat I promise. If I did I would have showed it, being thorough is my thing.

[@牛启典]

I like this funnel but I cannot find it on Amazon,could you provide the website link to us?THANK YOU very much!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jonfrani28]

Thanks so much for the video...very clear compared to other videos...have one question (totally not related to this video). Been trying to locate the ECT sensor (CARAVAN 3.3L V6). Would appreciate if you could help! Thanks so much.

[@2carpros]

Thanks so much for watching! Here is where that is located www.fixya.com/uploads/images/6_24_2012_8_54_33_pm.gif

[@bigfist3999]

Good job how do I know when It is time to get a new one?

[@johnpaulgarcia4385]

Hi what coolant did you use?

[@oxanalangley9131]

Any videos on coolant leaks that happen because thermostat stayed closed. There is fluid leaking from somewhere on the rear valve cover that drips down on the same side as the thermostat. I ask because the radiator blew 3 X since Sept 2022. It's on its 4th radiator and the hose going into the thermostat is rock hard once engine gets hot. Fan relay burnt out so even the fan didn't work. I replaced rhe relay now the fan works and slows the overheating. But still happens as soon as you drive 55. I am also going to flush the heater core although there is plenty of heat inside.

[@djtravismcguire]

My question: Do you have to remove the coolant out of the radiator? I'm stuck in a town I'm unfamiliar with and I need to replace this at auto zone.

[@2carpros]

You don't have to necessarily but, it will make a big unpredictable mess. If you drain the coolant at the radiator you know where it is going to come out. Thank you for watching!

[@raedavidson707]

no

[@sveamyran3757]

Just change your thermostat lol call it a day no need to change or take any out unless its gunked up sludge in there and maybe top some up after your done .. i just changed mine out took it out no coolant dropped out so i just changed it n topped up abit

[@bigmillz6693]

@@sveamyran3757 so u removed the radiator hose and no coolant came out?

[@phillyallaround6986]

I bought a new thermostat for my 07 town and country along with a gasket. My new thermostat came with a o-ring and I notice the van you were working on didn't have a gasket when you pulled the old thermostat off. Do I do away with the gasket I bought and just put the new thermostat with the o-ring only?

[@2carpros]

Correct. Thanks for watching!

[@phillyallaround6986]

@@2carpros Thanks man

[@hellowaldoo]

AutoZone, O'Riley, advance website is telling me that this is not the correct thermostat for an 05 grand caravan 3.3! Could the thermostat be different for this year model from the one in your video? It shows a gasket instead of an oring seal

[@2carpros]

Weird. This was a 08. Maybe there was a revision? Always good to double check. Thanks for watching!

[@ryanranocchini]

Did they stop making the funnel? I don't see a link to it.

[@glenbrown4408]

thank U for that explicit video!

[@sveamyran3757]

Why does my thermostat have a gasket between the housing n engine lol and yours doesnt ???i got a 2007 dodge caravan 3.3 3.8 ltr engine

[@JamesDoylesGarage]

How do you know when you need to change your Thermostat ? What goes wrong in the car. Thank you .

[@2carpros]

Usually it overheats. Thanks for watching!

[@djangoletsgetitgarvey2857]

Very good video. Clear precise and informative. Excellent job

[@2carpros]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@jessicaculbreth4794]

So do I have to have the van jacked up on something to drain it out first?

[@2carpros]

No. You can just put a pan down. Thanks for watching!

[@AhmedHassan-ed5ue]

Thank you for good information 👍👍

[@DrexDre2x]

Love this great very well helpful vid👍🏻❤️

[@2carpros]

Glad it was helpful!

[@earlschultz7880]

Great job, very clear. Thanks!

[@2carpros]

Thanks for watching!

[@lulutileguy]

might have to do this going to use head gasket sealer Scotty say remove thermos first think i will cause you make it look easy

[@mikusmaximus7507]

Very good and highly informative video!

[@2carpros]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@RRaucina]

Book says this housing for 2007. Mine is steel and takes a flat gasket like 2006 and earlier. So be careful, there are 2 different situations.

[@crocodile1313]

Great video, but I don't see the link to purchase the funnel?

[@2carpros]

Ah good catch here you go sorry about that. Here you go www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I40ZQWE/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=2carprcom-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01I40ZQWE&linkId=4e3eb4618e166417241bb387831c31c9 Thank you for watching!

[@raedavidson707]

go to amazon, type in funnel. It will come up

[@rockyknollfarm6932]

@@raedavidson707 ebay too

[@cristian7301-j8n]

U can buy on amazon

[@tomassmid6455]

Very good video!! Pls can I ask you? How many Liter Antifreeze Coolant did you use? Thanks

[@michaell8295]

2carpros I have a question, when you drained the coolant it looked orangish,and you put green back in. As I understand it you should use orange because its formulated for use in engines with aluminium parts. I was wandering if you were using universal coolant?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I caught that too.

[@AbidBira]

How can I bleed the radiatircause sometimes I have the water coming out from the reservoir thank plz

[@2carpros]

Wait for it to have no pressure in the system. Run it with the cap off and add more coolant as the level drops.

[@KBzPTGT]

why doesn't the replacement TSat have a jiggle pin like the one you replaced?

[@Bangaboomerang]

Made in China

[@danjhaward2175]

Does this work on the grand caravan as well?

[@tatopantera8661]

hello, do you know where the Town country 3.3 v6 year 2003/2004 temperature sensor is located?

[@wisamabazly]

Great video and thanks for the tips..

[@filibertovargas8354]

Nice video man, and help full. So can you please tel me why the termostat need to be replace?

[@2carpros]

A thermostat is a normal service item that when fails will either stick closed making the engine overheat quickly, or stick open causing the engine to warm up to slowly which will trigger a check engine light. Thank you so much for watching!

[@onenewworldmonkey]

Did you say drain is on right side if you are under it??? Please know which is left or right. You described it 3 ways. Does no one call it a "goose neck" anymore?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Ha! I still call them a goose neck also.

[@asadshah3273]

I had a problem with my Nissan QG15 DE. by the radiator everything is fine, while running its good but, it builds pressure and gets overheat and pours coolant out when its driven slow and in idle. can you plz help me out about the problem in it.

[@djaxxxxon]

Can you please tell me where the computer is on my 2007 caravan 3.3. Liter?

[@2carpros]

In front your driver's front tire. You need to take the inner fender liner off. Thanks for watching!

[@curtisramsey2219]

What happens if you do everything that you did and the upper radiator hose collapse?

[@2carpros]

Is the hose super old? Might be time for a fresh one. Thanks for watching!

[@luispalomino5514]

Good job 👍

[@2carpros]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sailingaeolus]

Awesome. Thanks for posting.

[@2carpros]

Thanks for watching!

[@weredig0]

For that bit between 7:30 and 7:36 I actually feel bad that I can only give this video one like instead of the "machine gun rambo likes"

[@lavazza.vinzenzo]

bonjour un modèle 79 degrés est bon pour l été a 35 degrés ,embouteillages autoroutier ?

[@dantheman4471]

i missed where you replaced the big radiator hose unless this was 2 different vehicles! LMAO

[@2carpros]

I assure you I only had one van. Thanks for watching!

[@DmvCee]

Smh a have a 06 3.3l with a metal housing i cant get it to seal only the felt seal works but they dont sell it anymore not even gasket maker im stuck

Que Tipo De Herramienta Utilizo Para Apretar Los Tornillos ?

[@seanmactavish1]

Where is the link for the final?

[@imheck]

Amazon says this will not fit. Any Ideas?

[@2carpros]

It fit on mine. Maybe use Amazon's garage feature to find a applicable thermostat for your exact year, encase there was a revision. Thanks for watching!

[@equilibriumfloats]

Thanks. I think I can do that myself.

[@2carpros]

Go for it!

[@jeaninecarswell2118]

Like watching your video really confused my 2001 Dodge caravan with a 3.3 V6 does not have the same thermostat a 08 it changed it's not the same one for 2001

[@Bangaboomerang]

Yes. Two different generations

[@disco0752]

Thanks!

[@bassirougueye1287]

Thank you

[@2carpros]

Welcome!

[@1877DISH313dotCOM]

Those t-stats are not identical. The original has a bleeder valve and the new one doesn't. But thanks for the nice video.

[@martinsorola2206]

Not exactly the same for ‘03. Thermostat does not take o-ring

[@RRaucina]

Dickhead Chrysler has a plastic housing and a steel housing, the plastic one takes the rubber gasket, the metal one uses a standard gasket, rubberized and fairly thick, reusable, I have never seen a note of this in sales so I had to return this type since I have the metal hosing for thermostat. So be ready for 2 types.

[@melinda1163]

how can I tell if my thermostat is bad?

[@johnw3794]

The first 2min 40. Is exactly the same as your coolant video lol. Suppose you just continued on from flushing it.

[@2carpros]

Yes they were all done at once. I'm not going to re film something if it is exactly the same. Thanks for watching.

[@arturocaraballo9859]

i have the same car and my thermostat housing is leaking coolant from the bottom what can i do

[@2carpros]

Take it apart and check the seal. Then clean the mating surfaces and use a new gasket. Thanks for watching!

[@clemsonbloke]

@@2carpros There was no gasket shown in this, you didn't mention those and didn't show it. You only shown the O ring.

[@behnammohajeri7047]

This is not the way you changing yes you change your thermostat but you have to let it running you have to let the run until the air comes out because it's going to becomes a problem for the head gasket you should know and the air has to come out because it's going to be airlock in the engine and you make a problem for the head gasket don't give a wrong information to people thank you

[@ENDIR0451]

This is a NA gasoline engine. I don't think airlocking is very possible, which is probably why a professional mechanic didn't mention this.

[@benancionestor824]

Hi

[@jerrycannon6940]

Where's the bleeder valve

[@hellcat64]

:( i just flushed the radiator and put new stuff in.

[@1voiceofstl]

the newer 3.6 is 10 times harder.

[@2carpros]

Why? Top mounted filter?

[@ramjet4025]

Riddled with commercials - a real turn off - Takes a very long time to explain anything simple, all designed to have you watch ADDS

[@RRaucina]

Easier to drain radiator with a bit of airline. fill it with water, hold end with finger. Insert to the bottom of the radiator thru the cap opening. Siphon it out.

[@bradyjones8263]

My man, thanks!

[@2carpros]

No worries!

[@ChalonPatton]

Awesome video. Thanks.

[@user-wy7cz3li2e]

Good stuff. Thanks.

[@2carpros]

Our pleasure!