OEM 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 Van Thermostat

2001 Dodge Ram 3500 Van Thermostat Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to service the thermostat on 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 Van?

  A: It is important to ensure the cooling system is neither hot nor pressurized so you do not hurt yourself from the coolant. Pour the coolant into a clean jar for storage if it is clean. For the best fit, select the proper thermostat for your vehicle's model and engine. An anti-stick gasket with the factory-installed thermostat housing is what holds everything in place. The first step is to disconnect the negative battery cable and remove almost all the coolant until it comes lower than the thermostat. On cars with air conditioning, loosen the engine cover, the rear support and take off most of the generator by first releasing the tension on the automatic belt. Take off the bolts that hold the generator in place, without separating any wiring and arrange the generator so you can reach the thermostat gasket. Release the three bolts that secure the Pcm, but make sure not to disconnect the 60-way connector; then set the Pcm away. For constant tension hose clamps, use either special clamp tool number 6094 or Snap-On clamp tool number Hpc-20 and always remember to put on safety glasses. Loosen and remove the clamp and hose on the upper radiator, move the wiring harness to one side and position it so you can get to these areas. Remove the bolts holding the thermostat housing, taker out the housing, the gasket and thermostat and dispose of the old gasket. Wipe down the sections on the intake manifold and thermostat housing where hookup occurs with products that are not rough. Place the spring side down into the recess on the intake manifold, hold the gasket over the end and drop the new thermostat in, with the gasket underneath. Secure the housing on the intake manifold so that you can see the word Front from the front of the car, then install the bolts and tighten them to 24 Nm (18 ft. lbs.). Match the upper radiator hose with the thermostat housing. When installing an air-conditioned vehicle, attach the generator with every bolt tightened to 41 Nm and the support bracket with every bolt tightened to 54 Nm. Be sure to send the serpentine accessory belt to the correct locations, so it will not overheat. Then position it over each pulley except the idler pulley, loosen the tensioner, place the belt over the idler pulley and check that the belt is in the right position. Replace the Pcm, fill up the coolants, reconnect the negative battery cable, start and heat the engine while finding any leaks and install the engine cover if your vehicle has A/c.