OEM 2000 Toyota Avalon Thermostat

2000 Toyota Avalon Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service the thermostat on 2000 Toyota Avalon?

  A: Service of the thermostat begins by draining the engine coolant followed by removing the V-bank cover through the use of a 5 mm hexagon wrench which removes three cap nuts before the cover fastener can be loosened. Start the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature and insulate the No.2 ECT switch while you remove the air cleaner hose with resonator followed by unscrewing the heater hoses and disconnecting the No.2 ECT switch connector. You must disconnect the engine wire protector from the water inlet to the right-hand cylinder head through the process of nut and clamp removal. Remove the bolted water inlet pipe from the water inlet and left-hand cylinder head to disconnect the pipe while also taking out the O-ring. The water inlet and thermostat require uninstallation after 3 nut removal and gasket removal. The thermostat needs water immersion testing followed by gradual heat application to verify a valve opening range from 80 to 84 degrees Celsius (176 to 183 degrees Fahrenheit) and the valve operates at least 10.0 mm (0.394 inch) at 95 degrees Celsius (203 degrees Fahrenheit). The valve must be completely closed below 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) temperature and the thermostat needs replacement when any measurements fail to meet specifications. To install the thermostat place it in the water pump by utilizing a new gasket while ensuring the jiggle valve points toward the upper stud bolt. The installation process requires securement of the water inlet through 3 nuts torqued to 8 Nm (80 kgf.cm, 69 inch lbs.) followed by water inlet pipe insertion of a new O-ring before connecting it against the water inlet with a torqued bolt set to 19.5 Nm (200 kgf.cm, 14 ft. lbs.). The engine wire protector must be reinstalled while connecting the No.2 ECT switch connector together with heater hoses and air cleaner hose with resonator and V-bank cover through three cap nuts which need pressing down of the cover fastener. Start the engine after filling it with coolant while verifying for leaks before finally checking the engine coolant level again.