GM 12597172 Housing Assembly, Engine Coolant Thermostat

You can Select Your Vehicle to check if 12597172 fits your vehicle.

Before faulting the thermostat, check the coolant level, drive belt tension, and temperature gauge. To replace the thermostat, disconnect the battery's negative terminal and drain the coolant. Detach the hoses from the thermostat housing cover. Remove the thermostat and install a new gasket.

On all engines, the thermostat and thermostat housing are replaced as a unit only. First, disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal. Then, drain the cooling system. If the coolant is relatively new or in good condition, save it and reuse it. Remove the engine cover if equipped and remove the air filter outlet duct. For a 1.5L engine, remove the charge air cooler inlet air tube. Squeeze the hose clamps and slide it back on the hose, then detach the radiator hose from the thermostat housing. Unscrew the bolts and lift off the thermostat housing and maneuver the housing out of the engine. Once the housing is separated from the engine, carefully work the housing out towards the front of the engine until it can be removed. Clean the housing and cover mating surfaces. Install a new gasket to the cylinder block, the thermostat housing and mounting bolts, then tighten the bolts to the specific torque. The remainder of the installation is the reverse of the removal. Refill the cooling system. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. Check for leaks and proper thermostat operation. For 2.0L and 2.5L engines, remove the exhaust manifold heat shield bolts and shield. Locate the radiator outlet hose on the right side of the radiator and squeeze the hose clamps, slide them back on the hose, then detach the radiator hose from the thermostat housing. Remove the thermostat housing bolts and the housing from the front side of the engine. Clean the housing and cover mating surfaces. Install a new gasket to the cylinder block, the thermostat housing and mounting bolts, then tighten the bolts to the specific torque. Refill the cooling system. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. Check for leaks and proper thermostat operation.

If the engine seems to be taking a long time to warm up, it is likely that the thermostat is stuck open and should be replaced.

If the engine runs hot and the lower radiator hose is not hot, it is likely that the thermostat is stuck closed and preventing coolant from escaping to the radiator.

To replace the thermostat, start by disconnecting the cable from the negative terminal of the battery and draining any excess coolant. Then, detach the hoses from the thermostat housing cover and remove the cover. Take note of how the thermostat is installed and remove it. Clean the housing and cover from any old gasket material and sealant. Install a new rubber gasket on the thermostat and place it in the housing. Reattach the thermostat cover and bolts, making sure to tighten them to the proper torque specifications. Finally, reattach the radiator hose, refill the cooling system, and check for leaks and proper thermostat operation.