I picked up an 02 SE with only 47k miles on it, and it seems like it takes waaaaay to long for the car to warm up. And even once temperature indicates normal, the air blowing out isn't as warm as it should be. Could the thermostat be stuck open? After only 47k? Thanks fellas.

 

Yes, that could do it.

How is the coolant level? That may also may a difference.

Is the coolant getting into the heater core? Check for bad valves by feeling the temp of the heater hoses -- in and out of the firewall.

Good luck.

 

Yeah I'll check it out. Sucks cause its only 2 degrees here, and my garage isn't heated

 

i just replaced my t-stat and its so noticable the difference in the time it takes for the car to warm up and the heat out put. plus it was like 10 bucks to do.

 

hehe, that gives me good hopes....but I still don't want to do it

 

it was a b to do because of the bottom screw is hard to get to. i had to take off my SRI and disconnected some sensors. then just put the extension on the sockets and went to work. it wasn't even bad getting the clamp off the radiator hose. just make sure you remember to plug everything back in and tighten it all back up tight.

 

I don't have a manual, but if I follow the upper radiator hose, it should run right into the housing for the thermostat correct?

 

no its the lower one i think. it was for my car atleast. the one that runs to the back of block. im not sure where it is on your car though.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sony224422 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">no its the lower one i think...</TD></TR></TABLE>Yup. That should be true for his 2002.