OEM 2002 Jeep Wrangler Thermostat

2002 Jeep Wrangler Thermostat Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Maintain a Thermostat on 2002 Jeep Wrangler?

  A: Before working on your thermostat, ensure the radiator draincock is not open when the system is hot and pressurized as this could lead to serious burns from coolant. While cooling, drain the radiator so the liquid is below the thermostat housing and if you see clean fluid, put it aside carefully in a container. Always use the right service tools for constant tension hose clamps such as the 6094 clamp tool or larger HPC-20 Snap-On clamp and don't forget to use safety glasses. When using new clamps, match the type and number or letter shown on the tongue to those used by the manufacturer. Get rid of the top radiator hose, the heater hose from the thermostat housing, unplug the sensor wires and take off the bolts and thermostat housing, gasket and thermostat. Prior to installing the new thermostat, first clean both thermostat mating surfaces and mark the outside flange. Press the thermostat into the engine cylinder head, with the passage arrow facing up and air bleed hole towards the outside and after that attach the replacement gasket and thermostat housing. Even out the tightening of the thermostat housing and reassure that the thermostat sits correctly to stop the housing from cracking when tightening the bolts to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.). Attach the hoses once more to the thermostat housing and to the coolant temperature sensor and be sure to tighten the draincock before you fill the cooling system with water. After all that, allow the engine to run while you watch for any problems.