OEM 2001 Toyota Corolla Thermostat

2001 Toyota Corolla Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair a thermostat on 2001 Toyota Corolla?

  A: Engine coolant drainage should be completed before drive belt and generator removal to proceed with servicing and repairing the thermostat. Before removing the thermostat with its gasket disconnect the water inlet from the cylinder block by unfastening the 2 nuts and detaching the ECT switch connector. Begin by immersing the thermostat into water for testing its valve opening temperature function between 74.0 - 78.5degrees Celsius (165 - 173 degrees Fahrenheit); if this test shows an unsatisfactory result, the thermostat must be replaced. The thermostat needs replacement when the valve lift falls short of 10 mm (0.39 inch) at 90 degrees Celsius (194 degrees Fahrenheit). A functional thermostat requires total closure when the ambient temperature drops below 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). If the valve fails to close properly the entire thermostat needs replacement. Temperature sensitive valves need to be placed in the cylinder block after a new gasket installation ensuring the valve stays at 10 degrees above the horizontal plane. Attach the water inlet using its two nuts before tightening them to 9 Nm (92 kilogram force-centimeter, 80 inch pounds). Reinstall the generator and drive belt afterward. The final step includes adding coolant until the engine starts followed by a check for any signs of dripping fluid.