How to Replace Thermostat 06-10 Ford Explorer
Difficulty: Intermediate · About 60 min · Ford Explorer
Replace the cooling thermostat, including removing the throttle body for access, on a 2006-2010 Ford Explorer.
Tools you will need
- Socket extensions
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Torque wrench
- Rubber mallet
- Vacuum
- Channel-lock pliers
- 8mm wrench
- 19mm wrench
- 8mm socket
- 19mm socket
- Drain pan
- Ratchet
Parts and supplies
- Thermostat
- Thermostat housing gasket
Steps
- Drain the coolant
Have a drain pan ready, release the radiator drain cap, let the coolant drain out, then close the cap.
- Remove the coolant overflow bottle
With the drain pan still ready, remove the coolant hose from the radiator, remove the bottle's two 10mm bolts, then lift it up and out.
- Remove the air intake
Loosen the two hose clamps, pry up the green tab to disconnect the breather line, disconnect the second hose from the intake, then pull the air intake tube out.
- Remove the throttle body
Pull back the red safety tab and disconnect the throttle body's electrical lead, remove its four 8mm bolts, then pull the throttle body free.
- Remove the old thermostat
Disconnect the hose from the throttle housing, loosen the coolant hose clamp with channel-lock pliers and twist the hose off the thermostat housing, remove the housing's two 8mm bolts, pry the housing up with a flat blade screwdriver, then pull out the gasket and the thermostat.
- Install the new thermostat
Vacuum out the housing, set the new thermostat in, coat the new gasket with motor oil and press it into the housing, lightly oil the mating surface, press the housing into place, tighten its two 8mm bolts, then reconnect the coolant hose and slide its clamp into place.
- Reinstall the throttle body
Confirm the O-ring is seated on the mating surface, insert the throttle body into the intake manifold, tighten its four 8mm bolts and torque them to about 89 in-lb, then reconnect the sensor.
- Reinstall the air intake
Insert the intake tube, tighten the hose clamps with a flat blade screwdriver, then reconnect both breather lines.
- Reinstall the coolant bottle and refill
Set the bottle into place and tighten its 10mm bolts, reconnect the coolant hose to the radiator, then refill the radiator and bottle with coolant, run the engine, and recheck the level.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.