How do you change a thermostat on a 2001 Jeep GC Laredo?

Answer 1

First remove the shoud around the fan... (It is a pain). Next Let tenchin off belt. there are 2 bolts to remove.. once you do that. pull the housing out... the remove the thermostat... Now clean the old gasket off. "VERY WELL" put the new thermostat in then the gasket.. and put bolts back on and so on... Be sure not to overtighten the bolts on the housing since its made out of aluminum, it cracks easily. The information below applies to the 6 cylinder engine available in the Jeep GC Laredo (4x4): Realistically, you only need remove the fan shroud if you are having a difficult time manipulating your tools (ratchet, etc) within the engine compartment. Also, you don't necessarily have to loosen the tension on the serpentine belt, either; you should be able to work around it reasonably well. And, do not attempt to replace a thermostat on a hot engine! Trust me! Only do this on an engine that is COLD. A large amount of coolant will be expelled from within the radiator hose and engine block during this process, and if the engine is hot, you WILL get scalded by the boiling hot coolant...which REALLY, REALLY sucks!