Kia Stinger CK Quiz
Engine Mechanical System

Electric Thermostat (ECT)

In this manual: Engine Mechanical System
General Information — 8Maintenance — 27Engine Mechanical System — 47Engine Electrical System — 19Emission Control System — 12Engine Control System/Fuel System — 51Automatic Transmission System — 34All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System — 7Drive Shaft and Axle — 15Suspension System — 25Steering — 8Restraints — 19Brake System — 22Body (Interior and Exterior) — 47Front Seat Belt — 63Body Electrical System — 99Windshield Wiper/Washer — 11Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning — 32
14steps
~84min
3/5difficulty
0102030405023.517N·mlb·ft
Tightening torque found on this page
Done 0 of 14

Repair Procedures

Removal and Installation

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

  2. Remove the air cleaner.

    (See Intake and Exhaust System - Air Cleaner)

  3. Drain the engine coolant.

    (Refer to Cooling System - "Engine Coolant")

  4. Disconnect the radiator lower hose (A).

  5. Disconnect the electric thermostat (ECT) connector (A), then remove the wiring bracket (B).

  6. Remove the electric thermostat (ECT) (A).

    Tightening torque: 18.6 – 24 N·m

  7. Install in the reverse order of removal.

  8. Fill the engine coolant.

  9. Start the engine and check for leaks.

  10. Recheck the coolant level.

Inspection

  1. Immerse the thermostat in coolant heated to a temperature above 95 °C, then heat it for at least 3 minutes to check the valve lift.

  2. Check the valve opening temperature.

    Valve opening temperature: 95 ± 2 °C

    Fully open temperature: 100 °C

    If the valve opening temperature does not meet the specification, replace the thermostat.

  3. Check the valve lift.

    Valve lift: 8 mm (0.3 in) or more at 100 °C

    If the valve lift is not as specified, replace the thermostat.

  4. Make sure the resistance is within specification.

    Specification: 8–11 Ω [20 °C]

    If the measured resistance does not meet the specification, replace the thermostat.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Symptoms Possible Causes Remedy
Coolant Leakage

  • From the thermostat gasket

 Check the mounting bolts

  • Check the tightening torque of the mounting bolts

  • Tighten the bolts and check for leaks again.
Check the gasket for damage

  • Check the gasket or seal for damage

  • Replace the gaskets and reuse the thermostat.
Excessive cooling

  • Low heater performance (blows cold air)

  • Temperature gauge reads "LOW"

 Visually check after removing the radiator cap.

  • Insufficient coolant or leakage.

  • After adding coolant, repeat the check.
KDS/GDS Check and Engine Start

  • Check the diagnostic trouble codes

  • Check the connection of the fan clutch or fan motor.

※ If the fan clutch is always engaged, noise will be heard at idle.

  • Check the engine coolant temperature sensor, wiring and connectors.

  • Replace the components.
Remove the thermostat and inspect.

  • Check for dust or debris in the thermostat valve.

  • Check the thermostat seating.

  • Clean the thermostat valve and reuse the thermostat.

  • Replace the thermostat if it does not operate properly.
Overheating

  • Engine Overheated

  • Temperature gauge indicates "HI".

 Visually check after removing the radiator cap.

  • Insufficient coolant or leakage.

    ※ Be careful when removing the radiator cap from an overheated vehicle.

  • Check for air in the cooling system.

  • After adding coolant, repeat the check.

  • Check the cylinder head gasket for damage and the tightening torque of the mounting bolts.
KDS/GDS Check and Engine Start

  • Check the diagnostic trouble codes

  • Check the operation of the fan motor as the temperature changes.

  • Check whether the fan clutch is slipping.

  • Check the water pump for proper fit or damaged impeller.

  • Check the engine coolant temperature sensor, wiring and connectors.

  • Check the fan motor, relay and connector.

  • Replace the fan clutch if it does not operate properly.

  • Replace the water pump if it does not operate properly.
Immerse the thermostat in boiling water and inspect it.

  • After removing the thermostat, check its operation.

※ Make sure the thermostat opens at the valve opening temperature.

  • Replace the thermostat if it does not operate properly.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Stinger CK quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.