How do I know if my Subaru thermostat is bad?

To determine if your Subaru thermostat is bad, there are a few symptoms you can look out for:
1. Overheating: If your temperature gauge goes into the red within the first 15 minutes of driving, it may indicate a faulty thermostat.
2. Overcooling: On the other hand, if your engine does not reach the right temperature for normal function, it could be a sign that the thermostat is stuck open, causing overcooling.
3. No heat: If you’re experiencing a lack of heat in the cabin, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat.
4. Spiked temperature gauge: If your temperature gauge fluctuates erratically or shows abnormally high readings, it may indicate a problem with the thermostat.
5. Blown head gasket: A bad thermostat can cause the engine to overheat, potentially leading to a blown head gasket.
If you suspect that your thermostat is bad, it is recommended to have a mechanic inspect the cooling system before replacing the thermostat, as there may be other causes of overheating.
To replace the thermostat, you may need to locate it near the top of the engine where the top radiator hose joins the engine block. The exact location may vary depending on the specific Subaru model . It is advisable to consult the vehicle’s manual or seek professional assistance for the specific steps to replace the thermostat.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult a qualified mechanic for a proper diagnosis and repair of your Subaru thermostat.

How can I test my thermostat?

Possible. This thermostat is reading 01 meaning. It’s fine this thermostat has no reading at all so this is the faulty one and needs to be replaced.

How do you test if your car’s thermostat is working without removing it?

There are several ways to check the health of your car’s thermostat and you don’t necessarily have to remove it: observing the coolant flow or measuring the temperature of the upper and lower radiator hoses with an infrared thermometer. Check if the thermostat is stuck closed.

Can you look at a car thermostat and tell if its bad?

Look at the needle on the thermostat gauge and see whether it moves slowly before it stops before the normal point on the gauge. If this is the case, then crank up the heater to see if it blows hot or cold air. If it blows cold air, then most likely the thermostat is broken.

What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat?

Watch for These 9 Signs of a Thermostat Going Bad

• The screen is dead.
• The actual temperature doesn’t match the display.
• Your AC or heater is stuck on.
• Your heating and cooling won’t turn on.
• Your HVAC is short cycling.
• Scheduled settings stop working.
• Nothing happens when you adjust the settings.
• Temperatures shift.

Can you keep driving with a bad thermostat?

Driving with a bad thermostat is like playing Russian roulette with your engine. The longer you drive with a faulty thermostat, the more you risk causing significant damage to your car. The engine might overheat, causing the head gasket to fail or even leading to a cracked engine block.

How do I know I need a new thermostat in my car?

Signs My Car’s Thermostat Is Going Bad or Has Failed Completely

1. Odd Temperature Gauge Readings. Your temperature gauge should register cold when you first start your car and slowly build up to normal as the engine warms up.
2. Air Temperature Changes.
3. Coolant Leaks.
4. Strange Sounds.
5. Heater Problems.

How do you test a Subaru thermostat?

Drive the Subaru for 10 minutes or allow it to remain in ‘Park’ at 1,500 RPMS. While it is running this way, pop open the hood and check whether both heater hoses and upper radiator hose is at a similar temperature of 160-190 degrees.

How long do Subaru thermostats last?

How long does a car radiator thermostat last? There is not a set time for the car radiator to stop working. However, most car experts recommend car thermostat replacement after 10 years.

Can you drive with a bad thermostat stuck open?

Yes, how long depends on the problem. If the thermostat won’t close, then the engine will be cooled down too much. But still drivable. If the thermostat won’t open, then the engine will overheat, and after a while, you have to turn off the engine to cool it down, or it will self destruct.

How do you tell if the thermostat is stuck closed?

If you see the coolant flowing through the radiator, then the thermostat opened and is working properly. If not, then it is most likely stuck closed. If you can’t tell if the coolant in the radiator is flowing, shine a flashlight inside so you can see it better.