so call me stupid but i know nothing about these. my car has been running on pretty high engine temps lately. i thought the fan might not be turning on but it is working fine. coolant levels are good. the only other thing i know of is if the thermostat wasn’t opening. how can i check to see if it is? just while the car is idling or what?
the best way to check if your thermostat is opening is to touch the lower radiator hose when the car is at normal operating temps. If it is cold or a noticeable difference from the top hose then your thermostat isnt opening.
thats about the only way of testing it without taking it out of your car.
If you take the thermostat out and throw it in a pot of boiling water is will open if it works and do nothing if it doesnt
k thanks guys.
just replace it. dont test it, dont diagnose, just replace. if you dont remember it being replaced, then its time to do it. its a $10 part and it will give you piece of mind.