OEM 2001 Dodge Durango Thermostat

2001 Dodge Durango Thermostat Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Maintain a Thermostat on 2001 Dodge Durango?

  A: Make sure the cooling is not hot and pressurized before you start servicing the thermostat, as the coolant could easily burn you. If the old coolant is clear, place it in an easy-to-clean container to reuse it. After that, ensure the new thermostat matches the specification for your vehicle model and engine. For 3.9L and 5.9L engines, the thermostat housings installed from the factory are on a gasket covered in an antistick coating that makes them easier to remove. First, unhook the negative battery cable and empty out the cooling system until you cannot see the coolant on the thermostat. If your vehicle has air conditioning, take out the support bracket at the back of the generator and only pull the generator out partially, leaving its wiring connected. Remove the accessory drive belt, along with the two bolts that secure the generator and disconnect the 4Wd indicator lamp wiring harness if you find one. Take out the generator to get to the thermostat gasket. It is important to work with designed tools for constant tension hose clamps and always to put on your safety glasses. To get behind the thermostat housing, remove the upper hose clamp and upper hose and place the harness down there. Take away the bolts of the thermostat housing, the housing, gasket and thermostat, making sure to discard the old gasket. Remove dirt from the intake manifold and thermostat housing, insert the thermostat (Spring down) into the cut-out spot and top with the gasket. Set the thermostat housing on the intake manifold so that the label Front is up front and fasten two bolts between the housing and manifold bolts to 23 Nm (200 Inch lbs.) tightness. Attach the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing and check that the serpentine accessory drive belt is in the proper place, so the engine does not heat up too much. With air-conditioned vehicles, reattach the generator and fix its bolts at 41 Nm (30 Ft. lbs.), next fit the support bracket and set its bolts to 54 Nm (40 Ft. lbs.) and continue with the accessory drive belt. Fill the system, put the negative battery cable back, turn on the engine and see if there are any leaks.