It costs about $130 to $415 to replace the thermostat of the Jeep Wrangler. This expense includes the cost of the thermostat and the labor for replacement.
Hence, the exact amount you pay would vary depending upon the quality/brand of the part as well as the shop or dealership you go to for the repair.
Like other parts, no thermostat can last forever. Hence, it is recommended to change the Jeep thermostat every ten years or when you see symptoms of thermostat failure. So, we have given here a breakdown of all expenses for the Jeep Wrangler thermostat replacement;
Jeep Thermostat Replacement Cost
Replacing a Jeep thermostat can cost you a few bucks to hundreds of dollars, depending on where you get the job done.
The part itself is not much expensive and costs about $40 to $65. However, the real expense is the labor fee for replacement which varies for each shop. This cost can range from $92 to $315.
Though it is not a highly technical job, repair shops will charge a lot of money for thermostat replacement. If you are lucky enough to have a low-charging mechanic in the neighborhood, you can get the replacement for under a hundred dollars.
Auto repair shops charge about $90 to $200 while the cost is usually highest at the dealership. They usually charge from $315 to $350, and some people have even shared that they get the price quotes at $553!
The solution to get the best price is to go to multiple shops and find the best deal. Otherwise, you can watch some YouTube tutorials and do the job by yourself. In this way, you will only pay for the part.
| Jeep Wrangler thermostat replacement | Thermostat price | Fee | Total cost |
| DIY | $40 to $65 | 0 | $40 to $65 |
| Small auto shops | $40 to $65 | $90 t0200 | $130 to $265 |
| Large dealership hubs | $40 to $65 | $300 to $350 | $340 to $415 |
Jeep Wrangler Thermostat Problems
The thermostat is a small part but plays a big role for your engine’s health. It keeps the temperature of the Jeep in check, letting it heat up to run properly on one side and, on the other, releasing the heat to prevent damage from an overheated engine.
Actually, it is a valve within the cooling system that controls the flow of engine coolant to the radiator. When the engine is cooled, the thermostat is closed, and coolant cannot flow to the radiator. Resultantly, heat accumulates in the engine.
After the engine is heated up, the thermostat opens, and coolant fluid can now flow to the radiator. Resultantly, the heat is emitted slowly. When a vehicle is moving, the valve opens and closes to maintain the necessary warmth but also prevent overheating.
That is why if the thermostat is stuck closed, the engine is overheated very quickly. Excessive production of heat only damages the engine and lowers the durability of your car.
And if it is broken or stuck open, the engine won’t heat up, and you won’t get the desired power.
What are the Symptoms of Thermostat Failure?
You may see the following signs of thermostat failure;
- An overheated engine.
- Temperature fluctuations, especially when the temperature gauge reads too low or high.
- Malfunctioning AC system, making it difficult to heat up or cool down the air inside the car.
- Engine coolant leakage. If the radiator fluid level goes down quickly, the thermostat is likely broken.
- Rumbling noise from engine cooling system like knocking or boiling sounds.
- Poor mileage. If the fuel consumption of the Jeep has significantly increased, the reason can be lowered engine efficiency due to a malfunctioning thermostat.
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Jeep Thermostat?
The time needed to upgrade the thermostat depends upon the expertise of the person doing the replacement. Skilled workers can do it even in 30 minutes, while for an untrained person, the process may take 2 hours or even more.
Here is the step-by-step guideline on how to replace the Jeep Wrangler Thermostat;
1. Make sure the engine is cool. Disconnect the battery cable and get the air hose out.
2. Drain out the coolant from the cooling system. Use a catch basin to collect the fluid.
3. Now, remove the thermostat housing and detach the thermostat and its gasket. You can discard it because the new thermostat comes with a gasket.
4. Install the new thermostat on the housing and fix it back in its place.
5. Refill the coolant and start the car to check if the engine is heating up properly.
Is It Safe To Drive The Jeep Wrangler With a Thermostat Problem?
No, driving with a malfunctioning thermostat can damage the engine. Hence, it’s better to replace it instead of taking a risk with the whole power hub of your Jeep.
Besides that, your Jeep fuel average would get poor when driving with a bad thermostat because overheated engines consume more fuel and deliver lesser power.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take A Mechanic To Replace A Jeep Thermostat?
It takes about 1 to 2 hours for Jeep thermostat replacement, depending upon the expertise of the mechanic. Highly skilled mechanics can even do the job only in 30 minutes.
What is Jeep Wrangler Thermostat Location?
The thermostat is present under the throttle body of your Jeep engine. Hence, you first need to loosen two bolts (mostly these are 10 mm) and take the air intake hose aside then, you will easily access the thermostat housing.
How Do I Know If My Thermostat Is Bad In My Jeep?
An old and worn-out thermostat is detected through engine overheating, irregular indications by the temperature gauge, leaking coolant, poor mileage, or rambling sounds from the engine.
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Final Words
The thermostat is a pretty durable auto part and usually lasts for about ten years. However, when it gets stuck or broken, the performance of the engine will significantly drop. A worn-out thermostat disables the cooling system, which may lead to huge damage to the Jeep engine. The solution is to replace this small valve as soon as you detect the problem.
The cost for Jeep thermostat replacement includes labor and the price for the thermostat. The expense can range from $130 to $415.