Thermostat installation 2008 Grand Prix

[nishnobguad]

Yesterday I installed a thermostat in my car because the heater wasnt' working. However, now the car is overheating and when I start it, it starts funny like i barely turn the key and the starter keeps going. What did I miss? I followed the directions I was given at the parts store. My dad suggested that I put the thermostat in upsidedown so I checked that and that wasn't the case. The new thermostat itself looked different than the old one but I didn't think anything of it because I know sometimes the parts look different but the old one is off center and the new one is centered perfectly. Could I have the wrong part? I am not very good or experienced with cars so any help is appreciated.

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

I'm going to guess you didnt bleed the cooling system.

As for the heat not working it may be that you need a heater core flush and coolant flush.

[nishnobguad]

I didn't bleed the system idk how to do that. I had the coolant flushed last week as was suggested by my mechanic but the heat still didn't work.

Before I even started, the coolant level was really low to begin with, I'm not sure why since I just had it flushed.

[BillBoost37]

There's a bigger issue going on here.

Do you appear to have any leaks under the car at any time during this whole mess?

[nishnobguad]

None.

[nishnobguad]

No leaks anywhere.

[nishnobguad]

The hose that goes to the the thermostat housing is hot and it looks like the air is being sucked out of it when the car is running? The other hose is cool...

[nishnobguad]

Can anyone help?

[Scottydoggs]

take both heater hoses off the engine, behind the alt, the put a garden hose to one hose and flush the core out, then fill both hoses up and put them back on and clamp em.

then fill your radiator, start the car, let it idle cap off the rad till the fans come on, ( this can take 15 minutes or more) this way you know the t stat is open. on top of the t stat housing is a screw, open it 2 or 3 turns, till a stream of coolant comes out. shut the screw, top off the rad, and cap it.

while waiting for the t stat to open up the rad may burp or over flow the rad cap hole, this is normal, if you see it drop, fill it up, chances are the t stat opened and took coolant.

the coolant flows from the top hose into the rad, so its going to get hot. the lower hose has some what cooler temps due to the rad cooling the coolant.

you hose being flat could be because your low on coolant/ have air in the system, or the rad cap is bad. or the hose is really shot, if it feels soft and spongy.

[Randall Carlisle]

Is the t-stat on these same as the "old" days? Under the water neck? I think I need to check/change mine? I don't have my manual nearby.

Drain system, flush, pop the housing, change t-stat, bolt back together, follow procedure above (same as old days)?

randy

[nos4blood70]

The Tstat is under the water neck housing.