For 1990-2009 cars

#### Special Tools

J 24731 Tempilstick

The coolant thermostat can be tested using a tempilstick. The tempilstick is a pencil-like device. It has a wax material containing certain chemicals which melt at a given temperature. Tempilsticks can be used to determine a thermostat operating range, by rubbing 87°C (188°F) and 97°C (206°F) sticks on the outlet coolant pipe. The coolant outlet pipe is located between the thermostat housing and radiator inlet hose.

1. Use a tempilstick in order to find the opening and the closing temperatures of the coolant thermostat.

• | J 24731-188 tempilstick melts at 87°C (188°F). The thermostat should begin to open at 90°C (194°F).

• | J 24731-206 tempilstick melts at 97°C (206°F). The thermostat should be fully open at 107°C (225°F).

2. Replace the coolant thermostat if it does not operate properly between this temperature range.