Coolant thermostat and ambient air temperature sensor replacement

Hi Ze,

It depends on the reason they are stating they need replaced. If your engine is overheating or has another issue, then yes, I would think they should be replaced pretty soon. If the engine overheats it can actually cause serious engine damage.

As for doing it yourself, I have attached the procedure for replacing both. They are pretty straight forward however, if you have never done it I would not do it alone. See if there is someone in your circle of friends that has ever replaced them. Maybe they haven't done it on this vehicle but the process is the same for each, the location of the sensor and thermostat is the only difference.

Please let me know how else I can assist and I will be happy to do it.

Hello,

Yes. Coolant does just like it says and is the liquid that is used for cooling the engine and keeps it from overheating. The thermostat is used in the cooling system and is the "gate" that opens and closes allowing the coolant to be pumped around the engine and provides your vehicle with it's heater and defroster. The ambient Air Temperature Sensor is going to be the most expensive part, and the one the you do not to replace right away. It is just a thermometer that measures the temperature outside of the vehicle, which is used as a fail safe backup to other sensors in the engine should they fail. I have included a couple of links below for you to go to.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-coolant-59420607
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-engine-thermostat-works

I have also included in the diagrams down below a description of the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor so you can decide for yourself it is critical or not to replace, But coolant and a thermostat is critical to a proper running engine. Please go through these guides and get back to us with how everything turns out, or if you have other questions or concerns. We're here to help.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Hi,

Just wanted to jump in as well. What code was retrieved to say you have a faulty thermostat? Low coolant level can also set this code off. During my time working for a Volvo dealership, the radiators were notorious for leaking. If your going to replace the the thermostat then I would recommend you look for a coolant leak.

Another known component is the heater core. The seals start to leak as well. To check for that, on the drivers side floor board towards the front of the center console look for coolant stains on the carpet. Let us know if you find a leak on the radiator or heater core.