How to Replace Thermostat & Housing 03-10 Dodge Ram

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 30 min · Dodge Ram

Replace the thermostat housing on a 2003-2010 Dodge Ram.

Steps

1. Drain the coolant

   Raise and support the truck, have a drain pan ready, open the radiator drain by hand, let it drain, open the hood, twist off the radiator cap, then hand-tighten the drain once it's empty.

2. Remove the upper radiator hose

   Loosen its clamp near the engine with a flat blade screwdriver, then pull the hose off.

3. Remove the old thermostat

   Remove the housing's two 13mm bolts, remove the housing from the water pump, then pry the thermostat out with a flat blade screwdriver.

4. Install the new thermostat

   Check the gasket, set the new thermostat in, refit the housing, then insert its two 13mm bolts.

5. Reinstall the upper radiator hose

   Push it onto the engine and tighten its clamp, then push it onto the radiator and tighten that clamp.

6. Refill the coolant

   Twist off the radiator cap, add coolant through a funnel, start the truck with the heater on, let any air bubbles work out, then refit the cap.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.