Q: How do I diagnose and replace a thermostat in the cooling system for Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon?
A: Before assuming the thermostat is bad, check the coolant level, the drive belt tension, and the temperature gauge operation. Start disconnecting the cable from the negative terminal of the battery and draining the cooling system. Then, locate the thermostat housing by following the lower radiator hose to the engine. Remove the bolts and detach the thermostat housing, cleaning the mating surfaces on the engine and the housing. Install a new O-ring in the housing and reattach it to the engine, tightening the bolts to the proper torque specifications. Finally, refill the cooling system, check for leaks, and repeat the steps to ensure the repairs have resolved the previous problem(s).