Where is the thermostat on 2000 Dodge Caravan?

Answer 1

This is my first time on Wiki Answers, here goes. Though I don't have the exact location for the thermostat on your vehicle, you should be able to follow these general rules. (by the way, I am a Ford dealership mechanic, in the business for about forty years). Most car and truck thermostats are located at the engine end of the upper radiator hose. The hose fits over the water outlet and is held tight by a clamp. The water outlet is usually just big enough to contain the cold side of the thermostat, the rest of the thermostat is in the intake manifold on a "V" style engine and in the cylinder head on a straight engine, (like a four cylinder). The water outlet is usually bolted to the engine with two or three bolts. To change this part, do this: find the water outlet as I have mentioned. Drain the coolant so that the level is below the thermostat, or just drain all out. I can often use a siphon type pump and remove enough coolant from the recovery tank to do the job. Place a pan under the vehicle and below the thermostat. either remove the hose or unbolt the assembly. The housing may be stuck a bit so tap or pry, (carefully, it is possible to break this aluminum part), to unstick. A bit more coolant may come out. The thermostat should be visible now. Take it out and observe how it was situated. There is a hot side and a cold side. Clean the gasket area. Look for a recess that will fit the new part. This recess may be cut into the engine or the water outlet. Install the new thermostat with the heat sensing part toward the engine. Most of the time, it cannot be installed backwards as there is not enough room. When refilling the engine, removing one end of a heater hose will allow venting and the coolant will go into the engine faster. Do not fill completely yet, allow some room for coolant expansion as the engine warms up. There is almost always some air trapped at the top of the engine and that will have to be purged. This air will expand when warmed and push some coolant out, catch this stuff and put it back in later. Running the engine, revving, stopping and running again will all be a part of filling the engine. The engine is probably about full when you can feel good heat from the car's heater. I usually overfill the recovery tank a bit as any air left in the engine will burp out and be replaced by what is in the tank. If you have any more questions I can be reached at my website. trustywrench.com walt