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Where Is the Thermostat Located?

Reviewed by

Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on November 8th, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Contents hide

1. Q: Where Is the Thermostat Typically Located?

2. Tips on How to Access the Thermostat

Q: Where Is the Thermostat Typically Located?

A: The thermostat is one of the most important components of a vehicle’s cooling system. Responsible for regulating coolant flow, it makes sure that the engine doesn’t overheat and stays within the normal operating temperature.

The thermostat’s exact location can vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model, but in most vehicles, you can typically find the thermostat inside a housing near the top radiator hose. If it isn’t there, try looking near the bottom hose.

In most Chevy Cruze models, you’ll find the thermostat in a housing under the top radiator hose. In most Nissan Frontier models, you can find the thermostat located behind the lower radiator hose, which you’ll have to remove to access the thermostat.

engine illustration showing thermostat location — A list of all the possible places where the thermostat could be located would be very space consuming. It’s going to be behind a housing where one of the radiator hoses attaches, but sometimes it’ll be in a crazy place. On some GM 4-cylinder 2.4L engines (see illustration), it’s on the back side of the engine up at the intake manifold and very difficult to access without a lift. Another oddball example is the 2.7L Chrysler engine, which has the thermostat mounted on the side of the engine block behind the A/C compressor. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

Tips on How to Access the Thermostat

Have you driven your vehicle recently? Because if the answer’s yes, you’ll want to turn off the engine and let it cool down before trying to access the thermostat. This is because you’ll have to unclamp your radiator hose and drain your coolant before you can get to your thermostat.

Unscrewing your radiator cap while your engine is still hot is a recipe for disaster. Hot coolant can spray out and leave you with some pretty nasty burns. For your own safety, let your engine cool down for 30 to 60 minutes before removing your radiator cap.

About The Authors

Written By

CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Reviewed By

Richard McCuistian

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.