I AM NOT familiar with this exact vehicle, but as far as the petcock goes, if the radiator is plastic, there may not be one at the bottom. You may just have to remove the bottom hose and drain it from there. As far as the thermostat goes, ask a Ford dealer or invest in the big orange book called "CHILTONS". You can find a Chiltons at major automotive stores. The book is expensive, but well worth it if you do your own repairs on a regular basis. GOOD LUCK
look at the bottom or rear of radiator
under the distributor cap there is a pipe bolted to the engine. the radiator hose is attached to it. take those 2 bolts out of that pipe and the thermostat is under it.
There are three sensors related to coolant temperature on ford aspire - one for dash gauge, another one for the radiator fan and the third one for the ECU. The one which controls the fan is mounted on thermostat housing - so, it is the closes to where upper radiator hose meets the engine.
Head Gasket
this site^ will show you a how
It is under the distributor. Look for the upper coolant hose (it's about an inch thick) and you will find the thermostat housing.
blown head gasket
Under the radiator on the left side. U have to jack up the right side to easily access the plug.
The crank sensor is located on the front side of the crank pulley, between the pulley and radiator.
right side of trans, below battery, 2 trans fluid lines connect to the radiator.
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More than likely the thermostat is stuck open. Drain the cooling system, replace the thermostat, and install fresh coolant.