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  #1  
Old 01-14-2010, 12:27 PM
Loggy Loggy is offline
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Default Thermostat location

I know I have seen some post on here about changing the thermostat but I have a few more questions. On the 2.3, can I just buy a new thermostat or do I have to buy the whole thermostat assembly? Secondly, the thermostat is located by following the the lower radiator hose? And lastly, I am glad I wasted my money on one of those Haynes manuels. Also, I hope the thermostat is my problem. I am sure it is, as the temp. needle never gets over the cold line and the heater only gets hot after about a twenty minute drive. I am open to all suggestions. Thanks.
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Old 01-14-2010, 01:53 PM
Loggy Loggy is offline
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bump
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2003, Reg. Cab, 4 Cyl., 5 speed, w/ Silver faced Gauges, Named "Vanessa"

Spray in Bedliner. 5% Tint on Back, 15% on Sides. Aftermarket head unit.

Future Plans- Aftermarket speakers all around, Air Box Mod., Upgrade Muffler.
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  #3  
Old 01-14-2010, 03:02 PM
STL STL is offline
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1. Just buy a thermostat and gasket

2. Follow the top radiator hose

3. Yes they are pretty useless for some things
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Old 01-19-2010, 04:49 AM
LAndrus LAndrus is offline
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I think that the Haynes manuals are very helpful. I know for a fact that the Ranger manual explains in good detail how to locate and change the thermostat. The only thing it does not describe is exactly how to place the thermostat in place. I'm experiencing the "thermostat placed in wrong" syndrome right now.
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  #5  
Old 01-24-2010, 11:46 AM
kagenokaze kagenokaze is offline
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I actually just did one on my 2.5... I think the thermostat needed to be changed anyway but it turns out that one of the two sensors (one measures for the ECU and the other is for the gauge) was bad and needed to be replaced. 10 bucks at Advance Auto.

Symptoms were the same as yours.

Last edited by kagenokaze; 01-24-2010 at 11:47 AM. Reason: more info
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Old 01-24-2010, 06:39 PM
Loggy Loggy is offline
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Hey thanks for the advice. I will def. keep that in mind if the thermostat replacement doesn't take care of my problem.
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2003, Reg. Cab, 4 Cyl., 5 speed, w/ Silver faced Gauges, Named "Vanessa"

Spray in Bedliner. 5% Tint on Back, 15% on Sides. Aftermarket head unit.

Future Plans- Aftermarket speakers all around, Air Box Mod., Upgrade Muffler.
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  #7  
Old 01-25-2010, 09:32 PM
Loggy Loggy is offline
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Well I got the thermostat changed out. I got tons of heat again. Not having heat in your vehicle really sucks. But, I sure didnt like paying the price of the thermostat on my truck. Luckily, I got it off of Amazon for half the price I could have gotten it at any auto parts store.
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2003, Reg. Cab, 4 Cyl., 5 speed, w/ Silver faced Gauges, Named "Vanessa"

Spray in Bedliner. 5% Tint on Back, 15% on Sides. Aftermarket head unit.

Future Plans- Aftermarket speakers all around, Air Box Mod., Upgrade Muffler.
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Old 02-01-2010, 06:07 AM
LAndrus LAndrus is offline
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Great to hear, what did you pay for a thermostat? I got one for my 88 for under $10.
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  #9  
Old 02-01-2010, 10:24 AM
Loggy Loggy is offline
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Well unfortunately on the 03' 2.3 you cant just buy a thermostat. You have to buy what they call an assembly or housing. But, I was able to get this one off of Amazon for $80.

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2003, Reg. Cab, 4 Cyl., 5 speed, w/ Silver faced Gauges, Named "Vanessa"

Spray in Bedliner. 5% Tint on Back, 15% on Sides. Aftermarket head unit.

Future Plans- Aftermarket speakers all around, Air Box Mod., Upgrade Muffler.
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  #10  
Old 02-05-2010, 01:20 PM
03crewcabranger 03crewcabranger is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Loggy View Post
Well unfortunately on the 03' 2.3 you cant just buy a thermostat. You have to buy what they call an assembly or housing. But, I was able to get this one off of Amazon for $80.

I had my thermostat full of rust/corrosion. So I just took it out and sanded it (i know it is not the best solution) and everything started to work again. A new Motorcraft one like Loggy's (with the housing) would've cost me $50. I had heat again asap.
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  #11  
Old 02-06-2010, 03:11 AM
JPLMAIN JPLMAIN is offline
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My dealership wanted to change my thermostat at $297 for the part alone. $550 for the electric radiator fan, 125 for the fan clutch, and 145 for water pump. The labor would have been $550. Totol $1667.

Well I told him I will take my car home and do some research on some of those parts. Thermostate 120, fan 150, fan clutch 45, water pump 35. Total 450 labor free.

Well I change all those parts my self and still my car boils over at the resivour tank. I quess I will have to change my head gasket eventhough there is no pressure leak or oil in water or water in oil.
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  #12  
Old 03-15-2010, 09:04 PM
Andy90027 Andy90027 is offline
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Default Re: Thermostat location

Hey guys, I am having trouble removing the thermostat housing in my 2000 4 cyl ranger. Any advice on how i can go about this?

Thanks so much!
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  #13  
Old 03-18-2010, 03:13 PM
Loggy Loggy is offline
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Default Re: Thermostat location

Hey Andy, if you are having problems removing the house the best thing to try is to try and get a rubber hammer down there and tap it or also try giving it a little twist. I had to give mine a little bit of a twist to get it off. If you have any other questions just ask.
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2003, Reg. Cab, 4 Cyl., 5 speed, w/ Silver faced Gauges, Named "Vanessa"

Spray in Bedliner. 5% Tint on Back, 15% on Sides. Aftermarket head unit.

Future Plans- Aftermarket speakers all around, Air Box Mod., Upgrade Muffler.
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  #14  
Old 04-12-2012, 08:12 PM
somidscr21 somidscr21 is offline
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Default Re: Thermostat location

I realize this is a little old, hopefully it catches someone's eye though. I have the same truck as loggy (03 xl 2.3l manual). I am trying to replace the thermostat, but I just cannot find it. I tried following the radiator hoses and I just don't see it. If someone could take a picture that would be amazing, but also just a good description would be great. Thanks.
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  #15  
Old 04-12-2012, 08:24 PM
KyBucks10 KyBucks10 is offline
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Default Re: Thermostat location

Quote:
Originally Posted by somidscr21 View Post
I realize this is a little old, hopefully it catches someone's eye though. I have the same truck as loggy (03 xl 2.3l manual). I am trying to replace the thermostat, but I just cannot find it. I tried following the radiator hoses and I just don't see it. If someone could take a picture that would be amazing, but also just a good description would be great. Thanks.
This is where it is in my truck. Disregard the red circle. I used this picture in another thread. Check out the blue circle. That is the thermostat housing. Take and unbolt that guy, and there she sits! I used a flat head screw driver to get mine out of the old housing but ended up buying a new thermostat since I already had the housing off and was replacing it.

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2002 Ford Ranger 2.3 I4 Engine Stock Transmission Regular Cab Short Bed
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