5 Easy Steps to Remove the Thermostat in a 2016 Chevy Silverado

3. **Disconnect any electrical connectors** or sensors that may be attached to the thermostat housing. Use a wrench or socket to carefully loosen and remove the bolts or screws holding the housing in place. Once the bolts are removed, gently pull or pry the housing away from the engine block to expose the thermostat.

By following these steps, you can accurately locate the thermostat in your 2016 Chevy Silverado and proceed with the necessary repairs or replacements.

Preparing for Thermostat Removal

Tools and Materials

Gather the following tools and materials before you begin:

• 10mm socket wrench or 6mm Allen key
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Replacement thermostat
• Rags or shop towels
• Coolant (if needed)

  Safety Precautions

  Take the following safety precautions before starting:

  • Allow the engine to cool completely before touching any components.
  • Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes from fluids and debris.
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shocks.
  • Place a bucket or pan under the coolant outlet to catch any spills.

  Disconnecting the Electrical Connector

  Once you have located the thermostat, the next step is to disconnect the electrical connector. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

  1. Locate the electrical connector. It is typically located on the side or top of the thermostat housing. It is usually a small, rectangular connector with a wire harness attached to it.
  2. Press the release tab. Most electrical connectors have a release tab that you need to press to release the connection. The location of the release tab can vary depending on the type of connector. Refer to the vehicle’s service manual or consult an experienced mechanic if you are unsure about the location of the release tab.
  3. Gently pull the connector apart. Once you have pressed the release tab, gently pull the electrical connector apart from the thermostat housing. Do not pull too hard, as this could damage the connector or the wires. Disconnect and reconnect:
     

     Step	Description
     1.	Locate the electrical connector on the thermostat housing.
     2.	Press the release tab on the connector.
     3.	Gently pull the connector apart from the thermostat housing.

  Once you have disconnected the electrical connector, you can proceed to the next step of removing the thermostat.

  Tools you will need:	– 7mm socket and ratchet – 10mm socket and ratchet – 90-degree angle pick – Screwdriver – Funnel – New thermostat and gasket – Anti-seize lubricant – Drain pan

  Removing the Coolant Reservoir

  1. Allow the engine to cool completely before beginning.
  2. Locate the coolant reservoir, which is typically a translucent plastic tank located on the driver’s side of the engine bay.
  3. Open the radiator cap to release any residual pressure in the cooling system.
  4. Disconnect the electrical connector from the coolant reservoir sensor. Use a screwdriver or 90-degree angle pick to gently pry up the locking tab and unplug the connector. Be careful not to damage the sensor or connector.

  Draining the Coolant

  1. Safety First

  Don’t touch the radiator or coolant hoses if the engine is hot. Wear protective gloves to avoid scalding and safety glasses to shield your eyes.

  2. Prep for Draining

  Park the truck on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Locate the radiator drain plug, typically a plastic valve at the bottom of the radiator.

  3. Coolant Collection

  Place a large drain pan beneath the drain plug to collect the coolant. Ensure the pan can hold at least the coolant capacity of your vehicle, typically around 5-8 quarts.

  4. Open the Drain Plug

  Turn the drain plug counterclockwise using a socket wrench or pliers. Coolant will start flowing into the drain pan. If the flow is slow, gently tap the radiator hose to loosen any blockage.

  5. Draining the Coolant Table

  | Step | Action |
  |—|—|
  | 5a | Allow the coolant to drain completely into the pan. |
  | 5b | If the flow stops, raise the front of the vehicle slightly to encourage drainage. |
  | 5c | Double-check that all the coolant has drained and tighten the drain plug securely. |

  Unbolting the Thermostat Housing

  The thermostat housing is fastened to the intake manifold with two bolts. These bolts are typically 10mm or 12mm in size. To unbolt the thermostat housing, you will need the following tools:

  • Socket wrench
  • Socket of the appropriate size
  • Extension bar (optional)

  To unbolt the thermostat housing, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the two bolts that secure the thermostat housing to the intake manifold.
  2. Attach the socket to the socket wrench.
  3. If necessary, attach the extension bar to the socket wrench.
  4. Place the socket over one of the bolts and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
  5. Repeat step 4 for the other bolt.
  6. Once both bolts are loose, remove them by hand.

  With the bolts removed, you can now pull the thermostat housing straight up to remove it.

  Important Safety Precautions

  When working with the thermostat housing, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

  • Allow the engine to cool completely before starting any work.
  • Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from hot coolant and sharp edges.
  • Do not overtighten the bolts when reassembling the thermostat housing.

  Bolt Size	Torque Setting
  10mm	22 ft-lbs
  12mm	30 ft-lbs

  Extracting the Old Thermostat

  The process of extracting the old thermostat requires meticulous attention and precision. Follow these steps to remove it safely and effectively:

  1. Disconnect the Battery

  To avoid any electrical short circuits, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before starting the removal process.

  2. Locate the Thermostat Housing

  The thermostat is typically housed in a metal housing located at the top of the engine. It is connected to the radiator hose and has a single wire connector.

  3. Remove the Wire Connector

  Gently squeeze the clip on the wire connector and pull it straight up to disconnect it from the thermostat.

  4. Remove the Thermostat Housing Bolts

  Using a socket wrench, carefully loosen and remove the bolts holding the thermostat housing in place.

  5. Lift the Thermostat Housing

  Grasp the thermostat housing and gently lift it straight up to disengage it from the engine block.

  6. Inspect the Thermostat

  Once the housing is removed, you will have access to the thermostat. Examine it for any signs of damage, corrosion, or debris.

  7. Remove the Thermostat

  The thermostat is held in place by a spring clip. To remove it, carefully pry the clip away from the thermostat using a flat-head screwdriver or a specialized thermostat removal tool. Once the clip is released, the thermostat will come out easily.

  Installing the New Thermostat

  Once the old thermostat is removed, it’s time to install the new one. Follow these steps to ensure proper installation:

  1. Orient the new thermostat in the same direction as the old thermostat.
  2. Put a thin layer of silicone sealant on the gasket of the thermostat housing.
  3. Insert the new thermostat gasket into the thermostat housing.
  4. Tighten the thermostat housing bolts in a crisscross pattern to evenly distribute the pressure.
  5. Add coolant to the radiator or overflow reservoir until the system is full.
  6. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to allow the thermostat to open.
  7. Check for leaks around the thermostat housing and the radiator hoses.

  Tightening Specifications for Thermostat Housing Bolts

  Bolt Size	Torque
  M6 x 1.0	7-10 ft-lb (9-14 Nm)
  M8 x 1.25	12-15 ft-lb (16-20 Nm)
  M10 x 1.5	18-22 ft-lb (24-30 Nm)

  Reassembling the Components

  Once the thermostat has been replaced, it’s time to reassemble the components:

  1. Reinstall the thermostat bolts and tighten them to the specified torque.
  2. Reconnect the coolant hoses to the thermostat housing.
  3. Fill the radiator with coolant until it reaches the proper level.
  4. Inspect the system for leaks and repair any that are found.
  5. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes.
  6. Check the temperature gauge to ensure the thermostat is functioning correctly.

  Tightening the Thermostat Bolts

  Refer to the following table for the correct torque specifications for your specific Silverado model year:

  Model Year	Torque (ft-lbs)
  2016	18

  Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to ensure they are secure but not overtightened.

  Draining the Coolant

  Before beginning, ensure the engine is cool and the coolant system has had sufficient time to depressurize. Locate the radiator drain petcock or plug, typically found at the bottom of the radiator, and open it to drain the coolant. Allow the coolant to drain into a suitable container.

  Removing the Thermostat

  Step 1: Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal

  Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical hazards.

  Step 2: Locate the Thermostat Housing

  The thermostat housing is usually located near the top of the engine, connected to the water pump or cylinder head.

  Step 3: Unbolt the Housing

  Using a socket wrench or pliers, carefully unbolt the bolts holding the thermostat housing in place.

  Step 4: Remove the Housing

  Gently lift the thermostat housing off the engine. Take note of the orientation of the housing for reassembly.

  Step 5: Extract the Thermostat

  Use a flathead screwdriver or pliers to carefully pry out the old thermostat. It may be held in place by a spring or gasket.

  Refilling the Coolant System

  Step 1: Replace the Thermostat

  Insert the new thermostat into the correct position, aligning it as per the previous orientation.

  Step 2: Reattach the Housing

  Carefully place the thermostat housing over the thermostat and tighten the bolts securely.

  Step 3: Refill the Coolant

  Fill the coolant system with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water. Refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended coolant type and capacity.

  Step 4: Bleed the Air

  Start the engine and let it run with the heater on high. This will help remove any trapped air from the system.

  Step 5: Check for Leaks

  Inspect the system for any leaks once the engine has reached operating temperature.

  Coolant Type	50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water
  Capacity	Varies depending on vehicle
  Frequency	Refer to owner’s manual for recommended intervals

  How to Remove Thermostat on Chevy Silverado 2016

  The thermostat in a Chevy Silverado 2016 is responsible for regulating the flow of coolant through the engine. Over time, thermostats can fail and need to be replaced. Here are the steps on how to remove the thermostat on a 2016 Chevy Silverado:

  1. Gather your tools and materials. You will need a new thermostat, a 3/8-inch socket wrench, a 1/2-inch socket wrench, and a coolant drain pan.
  2. Locate the thermostat housing. The thermostat housing is located on the front of the engine, just below the upper radiator hose.
  3. Drain the coolant. Place the coolant drain pan under the thermostat housing and open the drain valve. Allow the coolant to drain completely.
  4. Remove the thermostat housing bolts. Use the 3/8-inch socket wrench to remove the two bolts that hold the thermostat housing in place.
  5. Lift off the thermostat housing. Be careful not to spill any remaining coolant.
  6. Remove the old thermostat. The old thermostat is held in place by a spring clip. Use a screwdriver to pry the spring clip loose and remove the thermostat.
  7. Install the new thermostat. Insert the new thermostat into the thermostat housing, making sure that the flange on the thermostat is facing the engine.
  8. Replace the spring clip. Use the screwdriver to replace the spring clip.
  9. Replace the thermostat housing. Place the thermostat housing back on the engine and tighten the bolts using the 1/2-inch socket wrench.
  10. Fill the cooling system with coolant. Add coolant to the radiator until it is full.
  11. Start the engine and check for leaks. Run the engine for a few minutes and check for any leaks around the thermostat housing. If there are any leaks, tighten the bolts further.

  People Also Ask About Chevy Silverado 2016 How To Remove Thermostat

  How do I know if my thermostat is bad?

  There are a few signs that your thermostat may be bad. These include:

  • Engine overheating
  • Engine running too cold
  • Coolant leaking from the thermostat housing
  • Check engine light is illuminated

  How much does it cost to replace a thermostat in a Chevy Silverado?

  The cost to replace a thermostat in a 2016 Chevy Silverado will vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the location of the repair. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for the repair.

  How long does it take to replace a thermostat in a Chevy Silverado?

  Replacing a thermostat in a 2016 Chevy Silverado typically takes between 1 and 2 hours.