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Thermostat Test Procedure Using Tempil Sticks

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Cadillac SRX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The coolant thermostat can be tested using a temperature (tempil) stick. The temperature stick is a pencil like device. It has a wax material containing certain chemicals which melt at a given temperature. Take a 87°C (188°F) tempil stick or a 97°C (206°F) tempil stick and rub it on the thermostat housing. Temperature sticks can be used to determine a thermostat's operating range.

  1. Use a J 24731:  Tempil Stick in order to find the opening and the closing temperatures of the coolant thermostat.
    • The 188 tempil stick melts at 87°C (188°F). The thermostat should begin to open.
    • The 206 tempil stick melts at 97°C (206°F). The thermostat should be fully open.
  2. Replace the coolant thermostat if it does not operate properly between this temperature range.
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