Where is the thermostat located on a 2006 Dodge Stratus?
The thermostat on a 2006 Dodge Stratus is located in the engine’s thermostat housing, typically where the upper radiator hose connects to the engine. It’s the component that regulates when coolant flows into the engine to keep it at the right temperature.
Overview of thermostat location in the Stratus
Across the Stratus lineup, two engines were common in 2006 models: a 2.4-liter inline-four and a 2.7-liter V6. In both cases, the thermostat sits inside a housing that attaches to the engine and connects to the upper radiator hose. The exact spot can differ slightly depending on the engine layout and year, but the housing is generally accessible from the top or the side of the engine bay.
2.4L inline-four engine
For the 2.4L engine, the thermostat housing is usually mounted on the engine block near the cylinder head or along the side of the intake manifold. The upper radiator hose runs into this housing, and the thermostat sits inside the housing assembly.
To locate it:
- Open the hood and trace the upper radiator hose from the radiator toward the engine.
- Where the hose terminates at a small metal or plastic housing on the engine, you’ve found the thermostat housing.
- Look for a bolt-on cover on the housing; removing it may reveal the thermostat inside.
Access to the housing is typically possible from the top of the engine bay, though some layouts may require a view from the passenger side or a light angle to see the bolts clearly.
2.7L V6 engine
On the 2.7L V6 option, the thermostat is likewise housed in a connectorized housing that attaches the upper radiator hose to the engine. The housing sits on the engine side, often toward the side or rear portion of the engine, which can make visibility a bit more challenging than the inline-four.
To locate it:
- Follow the upper radiator hose from the radiator toward the engine until it meets a housing on the engine block or cylinder head.
- Inspect the housing for bolts; the thermostat sits behind a removable cap or inside the housing.
- If you can’t easily see it from above, check the passenger-side area of the engine bay or feel around the hose connection point for signs of the housing.
As always with cooling system work, proceed only when the engine is cool and be mindful that coolant may be present and under pressure.
Summary
The thermostat on a 2006 Dodge Stratus is located in the thermostat housing on the engine where the upper radiator hose connects. The general layout remains consistent across the 2.4L I4 and the 2.7L V6, though the exact positioning can vary with engine arrangement. If you are replacing or inspecting the thermostat, consult the vehicle’s service manual for your exact engine code, and take appropriate safety steps such as cooling the engine and draining coolant as needed. When in doubt, professional assistance is advisable.
How do I know if my Dodge car thermostat is bad?
- Overheating and Overcooling. Overheating is the most common symptom of a failing thermostat.
- Coolant Leaking. If you have experienced problems with overheating or notice liquid dripping under your car, it is a sure sign of a coolant leak.
- Strange Sounds and Temperature Changes.
- Heater Problems.
Where is the engine thermostat located?
The engine thermostat is typically located in the thermostat housing where the upper radiator hose connects to the engine block. To find it, follow the upper radiator hose from the radiator to where it attaches to the engine; the thermostat is inside this housing.
You can watch this video to see how to locate the thermostat on a car: 55sTurboChannelYouTube · Aug 26, 2008
- Follow the upper radiator hose: This is the most common location. The hose carries hot coolant from the engine to the radiator, and the thermostat housing is where it connects to the engine.
- Look for the housing: It's a metal or plastic component, often secured by bolts, that contains the thermostat.
- Consider the lower hose: On some vehicles, the thermostat may be located at the point where the lower radiator hose connects to the engine.
This video demonstrates how to replace a thermostat after locating it: 55sThe Flats at RidgeviewYouTube · May 3, 2020
Why is my 2006 Dodge Stratus overheating?
The most common reasons a Dodge Stratus is overheating are a coolant leak (water pump, radiator, hose etc.), the radiator fan, or a failed thermostat. Thermostat: A faulty thermostat can cause the engine to overheat or run too cool by failing to regulate the flow of coolant properly.
Where is the thermostat located on a 2004 Dodge Stratus?
The 2004 Dodge Stratus thermostat is located at the engine block where the upper radiator hose connects to it, behind the thermostat housing. To access it, you need to first drain the coolant, then remove the bolts holding the housing, and pull it off to reveal the thermostat inside.
Step-by-step guide
This video shows the location of the thermostat housing and how to remove the bolts: 59smartinbuiltYouTube · Jul 9, 2018
- Drain the coolant: Ensure the engine is cold and drain the cooling system to avoid hot fluid burns.
- Locate the thermostat housing: Follow the upper radiator hose from the radiator to where it connects to the engine block. This connection point is the thermostat housing.
- Remove the housing: You may need to remove other parts like drive belts or the alternator to get enough access. Remove the bolts holding the housing in place.
- Replace the thermostat: Pull the housing off to get to the thermostat inside. Clean the sealing surface and install the new thermostat and gasket.
- Reassemble and refill: Reattach the housing, refill the coolant, and bleed the air from the cooling system.
