How to replace the thermostat on a Saab 9-3 (2004 and newer)

This video shows how to replace the thermostat on a Saab 9-3 model year 2004 and later. Some of the symptoms you may see that are a result of a faulty thermostat are:
Engine overheating (although there can be other reasons for this such as a failed water pump, not enough coolant, blocked coolant passages e.g., in the radiator, etc.)
Engine heating up really slowly to the operating temperature (which is the opposite of the first example and is a result of how the thermostat fails - i.e., open vs closed position). The thermostat failing in this manner is preferred from a design perspective as it does not create a risk of a catastrophic engine damage through overheating that can occur in the first example.
The heat in the cabin takes “forever” to start blowing warm air. This is really a subset of the second example (but can be caused by other issues, such as blocked cabin heater body etc.)
Keywords: Autos & Vehicles, Saab, thermostat, 9-3, Saab 9-3, replace thermostat, How to replace thermostat, Maintenance, Car Maintenance, Car Repair, Repair

[@FamilytripsNevents]

Thank you for posting. Very helpful.

[@j.canyonsjoblom9840]

Thank you so much for sharing the knowledge! Excellent video and narrative, a MASSIVE help!

[@moloreanm1657]

Thnx for sharing!

[@astronmr20]

This was great. I was afraid I'd have to remove hoses and the brake booster. Its tight in there. I had the heat sheild halfway off- I'll just remove it entirely like this.

[@dougramsey9957]

Great video

[@f296877]

Great video thanks

[@sup3rch3eriogomez12]

Thank you for video it would be the same gasket for a 2006 cobalt ss with the lsj 2.0 motor ?

[@Lacipapa.55]

Hogyan lehet így elrejteni? Tervezési hiba!

[@Chrisallengallery]

Did this job today but the engine still takes a long time to warm up. it was 5c today. ODB2 reads coolant temp stays at 75c. I can't even git the temp high enough to see if the thermostat opens.

[@YourBassNeeds]

Update?

[@Chrisallengallery]

​@YourBassNeeds It seemed to settle down and get up ti temps not long after. However, I'm back here again because it's doing the same thing. Always get quality parts 👌 😊

[@killersajmon]

Hello, Tried this today. After completing the procedure and starting refilling the system, it was obvious that there was a leakage. I redid the produce several times with extra caution to the position of the greased up gasket, but every time it was reassembled it leaked quite a lot. I have NO idea why. There where no issues before, and no hose has broke as far as I know. Anyone else have an idea why? Wrong gasket? Looks like the original....

[@bpetertube]

The items I would check are: - Ensure that the thermostat is exactly the same form factor as the one you are replacing (for your model / model year vehicle). - Make sure that the gasket is not damaged (cut / pinched during install) and sits properly on the thermostat and does not get moved out of place when you install the thermostat. The gasket "wraps" around the metal circular part of the thermostat (it has a U profile). In other words, the gasket does not simply sit above or below the the metal circular part surface are of the thermostat. - Check that the surface area where the thermostat gets installed is cleaned (the metal part and the plastic housing) - Ensure that the thermostat is seated properly (with correct orientation). When I inserted the thermostat, I had to rotate it a bit for it to drop in correctly and then I turned a bit counter clockwise (I think) while it was inserted. - Make sure the thermostat housing is not cracked - Check that no hoses are leaking (if they are really old the rubber may have cracked) - Make sure the bolds for the thermostat plastic housing cover are equally tightened (it does not require much torque as it is plastic) Let us know what you found out to get it resolved.

[@killersajmon]

@@bpetertube Thanks for all the information! Really appreciate it. Housing lid was cracked! Replaced it and now it works as it should!!! Lid is plastic... must have cracked it without realizing it at first.....

[@bpetertube]

@@killersajmon I am glad to hear you resolved the issue.

[@ahmetgazikula9311]

🎉