Jackson Reid
Changing the thermostat on a Volkswagen Golf can be a tricky task, especially for the GTI Mark 4 model, where the thermostat is located in an inconvenient place. However, with the right tools and safety precautions, it can be done in under 90 minutes. It is important to check if the thermostat needs changing, as it could be that there is an insufficient amount of coolant in the car or a leak. Before beginning, ensure that the car is cool and that the engine is switched off. The first steps involve removing the engine tray and draining the coolant. You will then need to disconnect the negative cable on the battery and remove the bolts at the front of the engine. The next steps depend on the Golf model, but generally, you will need to remove the thermostat housing and replace the old thermostat with a new one, before reversing the removal process and refilling the coolant.
How to Change a Golf Thermostat
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to change thermostat | If the car is running too hot, taking a long time to warm up, or overheating and there is the correct amount of coolant in the car and no leaks, the thermostat may need to be replaced. |
| Preparation | Ensure the car is cool and not under pressure. Working on a hot engine can be dangerous. |
| Tools | Ratchet wrench, universal joints, extensions, Torx T27, Torx T25, clic-R collar pliers, wire brush, all-purpose cleaning spray, fender protection cover, funnel, microfibre cloth, jack, drip tray, bucket, torque wrench |
| Procedure | Disconnect battery, remove engine tray, drain coolant, remove thermostat housing, remove old thermostat, install new thermostat, replace coolant, check hoses, reconnect battery, start engine and check for leaks |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing to change your thermostat
Now, you need to prepare the engine. Disconnect the negative cable on the battery and ensure it is secure and cannot make contact with the post while you work. You should also disconnect the secondary air pump hoses and cover the channels with a microfibre cloth to prevent dirt and dust ingress.
At this point, you should also remove the engine tray and the oil pan cover, and prepare a container for fluids—you will need to drain the coolant. Place a catch bucket or tray under the radiator drain plug and turn the drain knob to open. Remove the cap on the fluid reservoir to help drain the coolant. You only need to drain enough to get below the thermostat level, unless you are replacing the coolant, in which case, drain it completely.
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Removing the old thermostat
First, you need to drain the coolant. Place a bucket or tray under the radiator drain plug on the lower left front of the car. Turn the drain knob to open and allow the fluid to drain out. Remove the cap on the fluid reservoir to help drain the coolant. You don't need to drain all the coolant, just enough to get below the thermostat level.
Next, you need to remove the engine tray and disconnect the battery. With the engine off and no power flowing in the car, you can then begin to remove the various bolts, nuts, and hoses that are in the way of accessing the thermostat. This includes removing the two 10mm bolts holding the thermostat housing to the motor.
Now you should be able to pull the thermostat housing off and get access to the thermostat. Remove the old thermostat and prepare to install the new one. Make sure that the rubber O-ring goes on the outside of the new thermostat, between it and the housing.
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Installing the new thermostat
Before installing the new thermostat, ensure that the car's engine is switched off and cooled down. Also, make sure you are wearing gloves to prevent contact with hot liquid.
Now, install the new thermostat housing together with the new thermostat. Make sure that the rubber O-ring is placed on the outside of the thermostat, between it and the housing.
Next, attach the coolant hose. Secure the coolant hose clamp using clic-R collar pliers and a drive socket #7. Then, attach the coolant hose and secure the coolant hose clamp using a ratchet wrench.
After that, connect the coolant hoses to the thermostat housing and attach the clamps of the coolant hoses using clic-R collar pliers.
Then, plug in the connector of the coolant temperature sensor.
Now, install the secondary air pump bracket. Tighten the fastener of the secondary air pump bracket using HEX No.H6, a drive socket #13, and a torque wrench. Tighten it to 9 Nm torque.
Next, install the secondary air pump. Screw in the fasteners connecting the secondary air pump to its bracket using a combination spanner #10.
After that, remove the microfibre towel from the air intake hose. Clean the mounting seat of the air intake hose using an all-purpose cleaning spray.
Now, reinstall the air intake duct. Screw in the dipstick tube fastener using a combination spanner #10. Secure the fastener of the air intake duct using a drive socket #7 and a ratchet wrench.
Then, connect the throttle body connector and install the air duct.
Finally, remove the coolant reservoir cap and insert a funnel. Pour coolant into the coolant reservoir until it reaches the MAX mark. Replace the coolant reservoir cap and run the engine for a few minutes to remove residual air from the cooling system. Check the coolant level and top up to the required level if necessary.
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Refilling the coolant
First, it is important to note that you should only use the coolant recommended by the manufacturer. Check your car manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the recommended coolant. Once you have the correct coolant, open the hood of your car and locate the coolant reservoir. It is usually a translucent plastic container with markings indicating the maximum and minimum coolant levels.
Before refilling, make sure that the coolant reservoir is clean and free of any debris. Remove the reservoir cap and place a funnel in the opening. Now, carefully pour the coolant into the reservoir. Fill it to the 'MAX' mark indicated on the reservoir. Do not overfill, as this can cause overflow and damage to the engine.
After filling the reservoir, screw the coolant reservoir cap back on tightly. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. This will help to remove any residual air from the cooling system and ensure that all components are functioning correctly.
Once the engine has been running for a few minutes, shut it off and check the coolant level again. If the level has dropped below the 'MAX' mark, top it up to the required level. Finally, reinstall the coolant reservoir cap and close the hood. Your coolant system should now be functioning correctly with the new thermostat.
It is important to note that working with engine coolant can be dangerous, so always exercise caution and refer to your car's manual or a mechanic if you are unsure about any steps.
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Testing the new thermostat
Testing your new car thermostat is a crucial step to ensure that your car's cooling system is functioning properly. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Warm up the Engine:
Start by letting your car's engine warm up. Allow it to idle for around 10 to 20 minutes to reach its optimal operating temperature. This will ensure that the coolant is flowing through the system.
Check the Coolant Flow:
Observe the flow of coolant through your radiator. If the engine has reached its operating temperature, but the lower radiator hose remains cool, it indicates that the coolant is not flowing properly. This could be a sign of a stuck-closed thermostat.
Feel the Upper Hose:
If you're hesitant to directly test the thermostat, you can feel the upper radiator hose when the engine is warmed up. If the hose stays cold when the coolant should be circulating, it's another indication that the thermostat may not be functioning correctly.
Use an Infrared Thermometer:
For a more accurate assessment, use an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of the thermostat housing. Aim the thermometer at the housing and look for a significant temperature jump. This will indicate that the thermostat is opening at the right temperature.
Monitor Engine Temperature:
You can also monitor the engine temperature using a scan tool or an OBD-II scanner. Irregular temperature patterns, such as slow or erratic heater performance or temperature gauge readings that are too high or too low, can indicate a faulty thermostat.
Test in Hot Water (Optional):
If you want to test the thermostat directly, you can remove it from the car and place it in a pot of hot water. The temperature at which the thermostat opens is usually stamped on it. This test requires caution as it involves boiling water.
By following these steps, you can effectively test your new car thermostat and ensure that it's functioning correctly. Remember, a properly functioning thermostat is crucial to maintaining the optimal temperature of your car's engine and preventing overheating.
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