Thermostat Visual Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Remove the thermostat.
- Examine the thermostat for signs of damage including:
- Valve not fully seated (light visible through the valve)
- Foreign material lodged in the main valve
- Bent or broken frame or flange
- Bent or broken spring
- Bent or broken valve or valve stem
- Wax leaking from wax reservoir or a bulge in the reservoir
- Any other damage or distortion
- NOTE: If no damage is found during the inspection, do not attempt to open the thermostat using hot water or other heat sources. This method is not an accurate means to test the function of the thermostat and may damage the thermostat. If damage is found during the inspection, remove any foreign material or broken pieces and install a new thermostat.
- If no damage is found during the inspection, continue troubleshooting the system concern. Go to SYMPTOM TABLE for further instructions.