Suzuki SX4 Crossover Car Thermostat Replacement Costs

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2012 Suzuki SX4 CrossoverL4-2.0L	Service typeCar Thermostat Replacement	Estimate$492.54	Shop/Dealer Price$566.47 - $776.90

Car

Service

Estimate

Shop/Dealer Price

2012 Suzuki SX4 CrossoverL4-2.0L

Service typeCar Thermostat Replacement

Estimate$492.54

Shop/Dealer Price$566.47 - $776.90

What is an engine cooling system thermostat and how does it work?

The car's engine cooling system thermostat is a small valve within a cooling system passageway that opens and closes in response to the temperature of the circulating engine coolant. When your car is first started and the coolant is cold, the valve in the thermostat will be in the closed position, circulating the coolant flow only within the engine instead of flowing to the radiator, which allows the engine to warm up fast, promoting fuel efficiency, low emissions, and reduced engine deposits. Once the engine coolant reaches the design temperature, usually around 195 degrees, the valve will open and close as you drive in order to maintain a coolant temperature typically between 195 to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

When to consider replacing the engine cooling system thermostat:

Engine overheats. A thermostat with the valve stuck closed is a common cause of engine overheating. However, since there are other causes of overheating, a mechanic will thoroughly inspect the cooling system prior to condemning the thermostat. Since it is usually not known how badly the engine overheated, the mechanic will also try to determine if there is evidence that the cylinder head gasket was blown. If so, it would be repaired prior to replacing the thermostat.
Temperature gauge reads too low or too high. Thermostats can get sticky, causing the engine temperature to stray from the optimal range. Your dash-mounted temperature gauge will notify you of this malfunction.
Cooling system repairs. All thermostats eventually fail. Therefore, if the cooling system is already open for major repairs, such as water pump or radiator replacement, it is recommended to install a new thermostat simply as insurance against future breakdown.

How do mechanics replace the engine cooling system thermostat?

Once the engine is completely cold, the radiator cap is loosened and enough coolant is drained from the radiator so the coolant level is below the thermostat housing.
The thermostat housing is removed and the thermostat and gasket are extracted. Note that some cars have more than one cooling system thermostat and both might need replacement.
All mounting surfaces on the thermostat housing are cleaned of old gasket material. A new gasket is applied and the thermostat is re-installed in the correct orientation and with the temperature sensing cylinder facing downward towards the engine.
The thermostat housing bolts are tightened to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications using a calibrated inch-pound torque wrench.
The cooling system is refilled with the appropriate coolant type and the system is fully bled of all air.
The car engine is run until the normal operating temperature is reached, and while taking precautions with the hot coolant, the coolant level is rechecked while confirming there is flow through the radiator — either visually or with an infrared temperature gun. This will confirm the thermostat is open. Finally, the engine is checked for leaks.

Is it safe to drive with an engine cooling system thermostat problem?

No. If it has been determined that there is a thermostat problem, it should be repaired right away. Failure to do so can cause substantial and costly damage to the engine.

When replacing the engine cooling system thermostat keep in mind:

Engine overheating due to causes other than a faulty thermostat, will themselves damage a thermostat. Therefore, always replace the thermostat if the engine overheats, even if the thermostat was not the initial cause of the overheating.
The thermostat should be replaced anytime you have major work done on the coolant system. It is convenient and costs little during such repairs and insurance against future breakdown.
OEM thermostats are the best ones to use and you can request your mechanic to install only the OEM thermostat. Dealer supplied, OEM thermostats are sometimes more costly but are generally higher quality and specifically engineered for your car.

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James

17 years of experience

39 reviews

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by Guadalupe

Suzuki Forenza L4-2.0L - Thermostat - San Antonio, Texas

James was very courteous the day we scheduled for service it rains and he calls to reschedule for the next available time,which is the next day. He showed up early and quickly got the job done. My engine light had been on since I bought the car a month ago and was overheating he corrected the issue and checked out my car's overall health and recommended services to get it in top shape. Thanks look forward to working with you in the future.

Eduardo

20 years of experience

570 reviews

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by Zoe

Suzuki Grand Vitara V6-2.7L - Thermostat - Houston, Texas

Eduardo is awesome! He texted me asking if he could come a little early, I was free so I said sure. I had made the appointment for a new thermostat, which I was 90% sure was the issue with my car heater, but I asked him if he could check it first. He said that due to the diagnostic procedure for it he could either do diagnostic or the repair I ordered today, but not both due to engine temp etc. But he said it most likely was the thermostat based on my description, so I agreed to go ahead and replace it as booked. He let me stick around and observe, checked & tested his own work to make sure it was done right, and he even ended up finishing all the work before my original appointment start time. I got in my car to move it after the repair and it was toastier than it’s been in years!!! On top of all that Eduardo is courteous and professional, which is always a treat.

Jeff

34 years of experience

441 reviews

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by JOHN

Suzuki Reno L4-2.0L - Thermostat - Sacramento, California

Jeff is a very knowledgeable mechanic that we can trust... Thanks Jeff !!! Always John and Diana

Ben

42 years of experience

1589 reviews

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by Brenda

Suzuki Forenza L4-2.0L - Thermostat - Houston, Texas

Especially liked the fact that Ben recommended and assessed other maintenance and repairs that are needed on my car. Found my new mechanic in Houston!

Suzuki SX4 Crossover Car Thermostat Replacement at your home or office.

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Car Thermostat Replacement Service

How much does a Car Thermostat Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Suzuki SX4 Crossover Car Thermostat Replacement is $334 with $138 for parts and $196 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

What is an engine cooling system thermostat and how does it work?

When to consider replacing the engine cooling system thermostat:

How do mechanics replace the engine cooling system thermostat?

Is it safe to drive with an engine cooling system thermostat problem?

When replacing the engine cooling system thermostat keep in mind:

Meet some of our expert Suzuki mechanics

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James

Eduardo

Jeff

Ben

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