How to Replace the Thermostat on a 2014-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L V8 (Engine: V8 5.7L)

Step-by-step coolant drain, thermostat install, bleeding tips, tools, parts, and torque specs for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

🔧 Grand Cherokee - Thermostat Replacement

Replacing the thermostat on your Grand Cherokee means draining some coolant, removing the thermostat housing at the front of the 5.7L V8, installing a new thermostat and seal, then refilling and bleeding the cooling system. The thermostat controls engine temperature, so a stuck-open or stuck-closed thermostat can cause overheating, poor heater performance, or check-engine codes.

Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work only on a completely cool engine; hot coolant can cause serious burns.
• ⚠️ Do not remove the radiator cap or coolant reservoir cap while the system is hot or pressurized.
• ⚠️ Keep coolant away from pets and children; it is toxic and often tastes sweet.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands if lifting the front of your Grand Cherokee; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not normally required for this repair, but keep tools away from the battery positive terminal.
• ⚠️ Dispose of used coolant properly at a recycling or hazardous-waste facility.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive 6-inch extension
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Hose clamp pliers
• Drain pan 2-gallon minimum
• Plastic scraper
• Shop towels
• Funnel
• Coolant hydrometer or refractometer
• Torque wrench inch-pound range
• Floor jack rated 3-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 3-ton minimum
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine thermostat - Qty: 1
• Thermostat housing seal/O-ring - Qty: 1
• Mopar-compatible OAT coolant concentrate or premix - Qty: 1-2 gallons
• Distilled water - Qty: 1 gallon if using concentrate

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Grand Cherokee on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• ❄️ Let the engine cool for at least 2-3 hours before opening the cooling system.
• 🧤 Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves before handling coolant.
• 🪣 Place a drain pan under the front passenger-side lower radiator area before draining coolant.
• 📌 A thermostat is a spring-loaded valve that opens and closes to control coolant flow through the engine.
• 📌 A torque wrench tightens bolts to a measured amount so the housing seals without cracking.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Let the Cooling System Cool

• Use your hand near, not on, the upper radiator hose to check for heat.
• Do not open the coolant reservoir cap until the hose and reservoir feel cool.
• Use safety glasses and nitrile gloves before touching any coolant parts.
• Cold engine only.

Step 2: Raise the Front If More Access Is Needed

• Use a floor jack rated 3-ton minimum at the front lift point if extra room is needed.
• Place jack stands rated 3-ton minimum under the proper front support points.
• Gently lower the vehicle onto the jack stands using the floor jack.
• Skip lifting if you can safely reach the radiator drain and lower front area from above or below.

Step 3: Remove the Engine Cover

• Use both hands to pull the plastic engine cover straight upward from the rubber mounts.
• Set the engine cover aside where it will not get stepped on.

Step 4: Relieve Any Remaining Pressure

• Use a shop towel over the coolant reservoir cap.
• Slowly turn the cap counterclockwise by hand until any pressure releases.
• Remove the cap fully only after no hissing is heard.

Step 5: Drain Some Coolant

• Place a drain pan 2-gallon minimum under the radiator drain area.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to open the radiator drain petcock if accessible.
• Drain about 1 gallon of coolant, or enough so the level is below the thermostat housing.
• If the drain petcock is hard to access, use hose clamp pliers to loosen the lower radiator hose clamp carefully and drain from the hose connection.
• Close the drain petcock with the flat-blade screwdriver after draining.
• Do not overtighten plastic drains.

Step 6: Locate the Thermostat Housing

• Find the upper radiator hose where it connects to the front of the engine.
• The thermostat sits inside the metal housing at that hose connection.
• Use shop towels around the housing to catch leftover coolant.

Step 7: Remove the Radiator Hose from the Housing

• Use hose clamp pliers to squeeze the upper radiator hose clamp.
• Slide the clamp back onto the hose, away from the housing neck.
• Twist the hose gently by hand to break it loose.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver carefully at the hose edge only if stuck.
• Pull the hose off the thermostat housing and aim it into the drain pan.
• Do not gouge the hose.

Step 8: Remove the Thermostat Housing Bolts

• Use a 13mm socket, 3/8-inch drive ratchet, and 6-inch extension to remove the thermostat housing bolts.
• Support the housing with your free hand as the last bolt comes out.
• Pull the housing straight away from the engine.
• Note the thermostat direction before removing it; the spring side faces the engine.

Step 9: Remove the Old Thermostat and Seal

• Pull the old thermostat out by hand.
• Remove the old thermostat housing seal/O-ring by hand or with a plastic scraper.
• Use shop towels to clean coolant from the opening.
• Do not let old gasket pieces fall into the engine opening.

Step 10: Clean the Sealing Surfaces

• Use a plastic scraper to clean the housing and engine sealing surfaces.
• Wipe both surfaces dry with shop towels.
• Do not use a metal scraper because it can scratch the aluminum and cause leaks.
• Clean surfaces prevent leaks.

Step 11: Install the New Thermostat

• Install the new engine thermostat into the housing or engine opening in the same orientation as removed.
• Make sure the spring side faces into the engine.
• Install the new thermostat housing seal/O-ring fully into its groove by hand.
• If the thermostat has a small bleed jiggle valve, position it at the top.

Step 12: Reinstall the Thermostat Housing

• Hold the housing square against the engine by hand.
• Start both bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 13mm socket, 3/8-inch drive ratchet, and 6-inch extension to snug the bolts evenly.
• Use an inch-pound torque wrench with a 13mm socket to tighten the housing bolts evenly.
• Torque to 13 Nm (115 in-lbs)

Step 13: Reconnect the Radiator Hose

• Push the upper radiator hose fully onto the thermostat housing neck by hand.
• Use hose clamp pliers to move the clamp back to its original position.
• Make sure the clamp sits behind the raised bead on the housing neck.

Step 14: Refill the Cooling System

• Use a funnel in the coolant reservoir opening.
• Add Mopar-compatible OAT coolant premix slowly until the reservoir reaches the COLD fill mark.
• If using concentrate, mix it 50/50 with distilled water before adding.
• Use a coolant hydrometer or refractometer to verify proper freeze protection if mixing coolant yourself.
• Reinstall the coolant reservoir cap by hand.

Step 15: Warm the Engine and Bleed Air

• Start the engine and let it idle with the heater set to full hot and fan on low.
• Watch the temperature gauge while the engine warms up.
• Use safety glasses and inspect around the thermostat housing for leaks.
• Once the upper radiator hose gets hot, the thermostat has opened.
• Shut the engine off and let it cool completely.

Step 16: Recheck Coolant Level

• After the engine cools, remove the coolant reservoir cap by hand.
• Use a funnel to top off the coolant to the COLD fill mark if needed.
• Reinstall the cap by hand.
• Push the engine cover back onto its rubber mounts by hand.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Check for coolant leaks around the thermostat housing, hose connection, and radiator drain.
• ✅ Test drive your Grand Cherokee for 10-15 minutes while watching the temperature gauge.
• ✅ Let the engine cool fully, then recheck the coolant level one more time.
• ✅ Verify the cabin heater blows hot air at idle and while driving.
• ✅ If the temperature rises above normal, stop driving and recheck coolant level after the engine cools.
• ✅ Dispose of used coolant at a proper recycling or hazardous-waste location near Panipat.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 USD equivalent (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$120 USD equivalent (parts only)

You Save: $180-$330 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.

🔧 Grand Cherokee - Thermostat Replacement

Replacing the thermostat on your Grand Cherokee involves draining part of the coolant, removing the thermostat housing on the front of the 5.7L V8, installing a new thermostat and seal, then refilling and checking the cooling system. A thermostat is a temperature-controlled valve that helps the engine warm up and stay at the correct operating temperature.

Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work only on a fully cold engine; hot coolant can spray out and burn you badly.
• ⚠️ Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is hot or pressurized.
• ⚠️ Coolant is toxic; keep it away from children, pets, and open containers.
• ⚠️ If you raise the vehicle, support it with jack stands; never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not normally required for this thermostat replacement.
• ⚠️ Use only coolant compatible with Jeep/Mopar OAT coolant systems; mixing the wrong coolant can cause sludge and overheating.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 13mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive 6-inch extension
• Inch-pound torque wrench
• Hose clamp pliers
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Plastic scraper
• Drain pan 2-gallon minimum
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Coolant hydrometer or refractometer
• Floor jack rated 3-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 3-ton minimum
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine thermostat - Qty: 1
• Thermostat housing seal/O-ring - Qty: 1
• Mopar-compatible OAT coolant premix - Qty: 1-2 gallons
• Distilled water - Qty: 1 gallon if using coolant concentrate

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Grand Cherokee on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• ❄️ Let the engine cool for at least 2-3 hours before opening the cooling system.
• 🧤 Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves before handling coolant.
• 🪣 Place a drain pan under the front passenger-side lower radiator area before draining coolant.
• 📌 A torque wrench is a tool that tightens bolts to a specific tightness so parts seal correctly without cracking.
• 📌 An O-ring is a round rubber seal that prevents coolant from leaking around the thermostat housing.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Make Sure the Engine Is Cold

• Use your hand near the upper radiator hose to check for heat without touching hot parts.
• If the hose or coolant reservoir feels warm, wait longer before starting.
• Use safety glasses and nitrile gloves before opening the cooling system.
• Cold engine only.

Step 2: Raise the Front If Needed

• Use a floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to lift the front only if you need better access to the radiator drain.
• Place jack stands rated 3-ton minimum under the front support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands using the floor jack.
• If you can reach everything safely from above, you can skip lifting.

Step 3: Remove the Engine Cover

• Use both hands to pull the plastic engine cover straight upward from its rubber mounting grommets.
• Set the cover aside in a safe place.

Step 4: Remove the Coolant Reservoir Cap

• Use a shop towel over the coolant reservoir cap.
• Slowly turn the cap counterclockwise by hand to release any tiny amount of leftover pressure.
• Remove the cap fully once there is no hissing sound.

Step 5: Drain Enough Coolant

• Place a drain pan 2-gallon minimum below the radiator drain area.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to open the radiator drain petcock if it is accessible.
• Drain about 1 gallon of coolant, or enough to lower the level below the thermostat housing.
• If the radiator drain is not accessible, use hose clamp pliers to loosen the lower radiator hose clamp carefully and drain from the hose connection.
• Close the drain petcock with the flat-blade screwdriver after draining.
• Plastic drains crack easily.

Step 6: Find the Thermostat Housing

• Follow the upper radiator hose to where it connects to the front of the engine.
• The thermostat is inside the housing at that connection.
• Use shop towels around the housing to catch small coolant spills.

Step 7: Disconnect the Upper Radiator Hose

• Use hose clamp pliers to squeeze the spring clamp on the upper radiator hose.
• Slide the clamp backward onto the hose, away from the thermostat housing.
• Twist the hose gently by hand to loosen it from the housing neck.
• If it is stuck, use a flat-blade screwdriver carefully at the hose edge to help break the seal.
• Pull the hose off the thermostat housing and aim any coolant into the drain pan.
• Do not puncture the hose.

Step 8: Remove the Thermostat Housing

• Use a 13mm socket, 3/8-inch drive ratchet, and 6-inch extension to remove the thermostat housing bolts.
• Hold the housing with your free hand while removing the last bolt.
• Pull the housing straight away from the engine.
• Note the thermostat position before removal; the spring side faces the engine.

Step 9: Remove the Old Thermostat and Seal

• Pull the old thermostat out by hand.
• Remove the old thermostat housing seal/O-ring by hand.
• Use a plastic scraper only if the seal is stuck.
• Use shop towels to keep debris and coolant from falling into the engine opening.

Step 10: Clean the Sealing Surfaces

• Use a plastic scraper to gently clean the thermostat housing and engine sealing surfaces.
• Use shop towels to wipe both surfaces clean and dry.
• Do not use a metal scraper because scratches can cause coolant leaks.
• Clean and dry seals best.

Step 11: Install the New Thermostat

• Install the new engine thermostat in the same direction as the old one.
• Make sure the spring side faces into the engine.
• Install the new thermostat housing seal/O-ring into the groove by hand.
• If the thermostat has a small bleed valve, place it at the top.

Step 12: Reinstall the Thermostat Housing

• Hold the thermostat housing squarely against the engine by hand.
• Start both housing bolts by hand first to prevent cross-threading.
• Use a 13mm socket, 3/8-inch drive ratchet, and 6-inch extension to snug the bolts evenly.
• Use an inch-pound torque wrench with a 13mm socket to tighten the housing bolts.
• Torque to 13 Nm (115 in-lbs)

Step 13: Reconnect the Upper Radiator Hose

• Push the upper radiator hose fully onto the thermostat housing neck by hand.
• Use hose clamp pliers to move the spring clamp back to its original position.
• Make sure the clamp sits behind the raised lip on the housing neck.

Step 14: Refill the Cooling System

• Place a funnel in the coolant reservoir opening.
• Add Mopar-compatible OAT coolant premix slowly until the reservoir reaches the COLD fill mark.
• If using concentrate, mix it 50/50 with distilled water before pouring it in.
• Use a coolant hydrometer or refractometer to check freeze protection if you mixed coolant yourself.
• Install the coolant reservoir cap by hand.

Step 15: Warm Up and Check for Leaks

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• Set the heater to full hot and the blower fan to low.
• Use safety glasses and inspect the thermostat housing, hose connection, and radiator drain for leaks.
• Watch the temperature gauge. Shut the engine off if it rises above normal.
• When the upper radiator hose gets hot, the thermostat has opened and coolant is flowing.

Step 16: Cool Down and Top Off

• Shut the engine off and let it cool completely.
• Use a shop towel to remove the coolant reservoir cap by hand.
• Use a funnel to add coolant to the COLD fill mark if the level dropped.
• Reinstall the cap by hand.
• Push the engine cover back onto its rubber mounts by hand.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Test drive your Grand Cherokee for 10-15 minutes while watching the temperature gauge.
• ✅ Confirm the cabin heater blows hot air at idle and while driving.
• ✅ Recheck for leaks after the test drive.
• ✅ Let the engine cool fully, then recheck the coolant level one final time.
• ✅ Dispose of old coolant at a proper recycling or hazardous-waste facility.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 USD equivalent (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$120 USD equivalent (parts only)

You Save: $180-$330 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.

Guide for Engine Coolant Thermostat replace for these Jeep vehicles

Year Make Model	Sub Model	Engine	Body Style
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 5.7L	-
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 6.4L	-
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 6.2L	-
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 5.7L	-
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 6.4L	-
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 6.2L	-
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V6 3.0L	-
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 5.7L	-
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 6.4L	-
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 6.2L	-
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V6 3.0L	-
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 5.7L	-
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 6.4L	-
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 6.2L	-
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V6 3.0L	-
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 5.7L	-
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 6.4L	-
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V6 3.0L	-
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 5.7L	-
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 6.4L	-
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V6 3.0L	-
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 5.7L	-
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 6.4L	-
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V6 3.0L	-
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 5.7L	-
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee	-	V8 6.4L	-