Dodge Colt 1977-1995 Engine Coolant Thermostat: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know before buying a new engine coolant thermostat for your Dodge Colt.
- A failing thermostat can cause your Colt to overheat (stuck closed) or run too cool (stuck open).
- Since OEM parts are unavailable, choose a quality aftermarket brand like Gates or Beck Arnley.
- Always replace the thermostat gasket and verify the correct temperature rating for your specific engine.
- If overheating persists after replacement, check for a bad water pump, clogged radiator, or air in the system.
Is your Dodge Colt's Thermostat Failing?
A thermostat is a simple part, but when it fails, it can cause serious problems. The most common issue for a Dodge Colt is overheating, which can happen if the thermostat gets stuck closed. 🎬 Watch this video to learn the main symptoms of a stuck thermostat. This traps hot coolant in the engine, causing temperatures to rise quickly. On the other hand, if the thermostat sticks open, your engine may take a very long time to warm up, your heater might not blow hot air, and your fuel economy could suffer. You might also see your temperature gauge behave erratically, swinging from hot to cold.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Thermostat
Since original equipment (OEM) thermostats for the 1977-1995 Dodge Colt are likely obsolete and no longer available from dealers, the aftermarket is your only option. Quality can vary, so it's important to choose a reliable brand. The Dodge Colt, a rebadged Mitsubishi, benefits from parts designed for Japanese imports.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers for Dodge Colt
| Tier | Brands | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1: Recommended | Gates, Beck Arnley | Gates is a well-regarded brand, often considered an OEM supplier for many manufacturers. They are known for quality belts and hoses, and their thermostats are generally reliable. Beck Arnley specializes in parts for import vehicles and often sources parts directly from OEM manufacturers, though this isn't always guaranteed. They are a strong choice for a vehicle like the Colt. |
| Tier 2: Good Value | Motorad, Calorstat | Motorad is a massive manufacturer that produces thermostats for many other brands, including some sold under the Gates and Stant names. Quality can be inconsistent, with some users reporting long life and others premature failure. They are a budget-friendly option that often works well. Calorstat by Vernet is a French company with a long history and is generally considered a decent mid-range option. |
| Tier 3: Use With Caution | Facet, Mishimoto | Facet is an option, but user reviews are less common compared to other brands. Mishimoto is known for performance cooling parts, which may be overkill and more expensive for a standard replacement on a Colt. While they offer thermostats, their value proposition is better suited for modified vehicles. |
Pro Tip: Before installing any new thermostat, test it. You can do this by placing it in a pot of water on the stove with a thermometer. As the water heats up, you can watch to see if the thermostat opens at its specified temperature (e.g., 192°F). This simple test can save you from installing a faulty part right out of the box.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
For a vehicle of this age, specific Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or recalls for a simple component like a thermostat are highly unlikely. Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database did not reveal any recalls or TSBs directly related to the engine coolant thermostat for the 1977-1995 Dodge Colt. One recall was found for 1992-1993 models related to door latches, but nothing for the cooling system. Most cooling system problems on these cars are due to age-related failures of parts like the radiator, water pump, or hoses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What temperature thermostat should I use for my Dodge Colt?
Always use the temperature specified for your Colt's specific engine and year. For example, some 1.5L engines from 1994 specify a 192°F thermostat. Using a thermostat with the wrong temperature rating can cause the engine to run too hot or too cold, leading to poor performance and potential damage.
Is a thermostat the same as a coolant temperature sensor?
No, they are different parts. The thermostat is a mechanical valve that opens and closes to control coolant flow. The coolant temperature sensor is an electronic sensor that reads the coolant's temperature and sends that information to the car's computer and your dashboard gauge. A bad sensor can give you a false overheating reading, while a bad thermostat will cause actual overheating.
Do I need to replace the gasket with the thermostat?
Yes, absolutely. The thermostat gasket or seal prevents coolant from leaking around the thermostat housing. Never reuse an old gasket. Most new thermostats come with a new gasket, but be sure to check. If not included, purchase one separately.
Why is my new thermostat not fixing my overheating problem?
If you've replaced the thermostat and your Colt is still overheating, the problem lies elsewhere in the cooling system. The most common causes are a coolant leak, a clogged radiator, a bad radiator fan, or a failing water pump. Make sure the system is properly filled and "burped" to remove any air pockets, which can also cause overheating.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
Temperature ratings vary by engine and year. Common ratings include 180°F and 192°F. Always verify the correct part for your specific 1977-1995 Dodge Colt engine (e.g., 1.5L, 1.6L, 2.4L).
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.