Coolant change, thermostat housing replacement

[2012OGSonic]

2012 Sonic LTZ 1.8AT. I’ve had my Sonic since it was new and now have 77,000mi. I’ve had great luck with my Sonic and have had 0 issues. Just recently changed front rotors (after copious hammer blows) and pads along with rear brakes.

I plan on flushing the coolant soon. I figured while I have it drained I’ll change the thermostat and housing (since so many problems seem to arise with the original ones). I also plan to change radiator hoses and heater hoses while I am at it. I see the smaller heater hose have quick connect type connections. My question is can I reuse those connections with the new hose? Or do I need to buy new ones. I haven’t had any luck finding the connections online if I do need new ones. Also any general pointers while changing the coolant is appreciated.

 

[JTee2017]

2012 Sonic LTZ 1.8AT. I’ve had my Sonic since it was new and now have 77,000mi. I’ve had great luck with my Sonic and have had 0 issues. Just recently changed front rotors (after copious hammer blows) and pads along with rear brakes.

I plan on flushing the coolant soon. I figured while I have it drained I’ll change the thermostat and housing (since so many problems seem to arise with the original ones). I also plan to change radiator hoses and heater hoses while I am at it. I see the smaller heater hose have quick connect type connections. My question is can I reuse those connections with the new hose? Or do I need to buy new ones. I haven’t had any luck finding the connections online if I do need new ones. Also any general pointers while changing the coolant is appreciated.

Good strategy on replacing the T-stat and housing. $40 to $80 is cheap insurance. I just replaced one and a Evap Purge Solenoid ($20) on a 2014 with 76,000 miles. A few things age and wear out on this car, but low cost items that , if you are on top of them, will make the car last.

I would do 3 drain and fills on the transmision fluid as well. Each drain of the tranns will yield about 5.3 to 5.4 quarts. Simply refill with the EXACT amount. . drive for a few days to a week, then drain and fill again. Repeat one more time and you are good for many more miles. The drive in between is to circulate and "rinse" the transmission. There are Youtube on how to do this on a Chevy Cruze auto. . same procedure. Do not over tighten the small drain bolt on the bottom of the transmission.

Use any good brand of Dextron VI transmission fluid. Citgo Transgard Dextron VI is pretty reasonable at $4 to $5 a quart on sale. You will need about 17 quarts.

Get new quick connects wherever you replace a hose. I thought some assemblies come with them. I have not checked , but I will right now since this interests me also.

Can you point out which part you need on this diagram?

https://www.wholesalegmpartsonline.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_assembly=1277885&ukey_product=10554272

 

[JTee2017]

EDIT - -

Amazon is OOS right now, but if you keep checkin you can get mobil Dextrom VI for $60 to $65 a quart. . . good stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Mobil-103529-Dexron-VI-Automatic-Transmission/dp/B009IE2JTE/ref=sr_1_8?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1518740181&sr=1-8&keywords=Dextron+VI

 

[2012OGSonic]

Thanks for the advise. You must of read my mind because the transmission fluid is next up. Looks like the fittings I need are 3&4.


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[JTee2017]

Thanks for the advise. You must of read my mind because the transmission fluid is next up. Looks like the fittings I need are 3&4.


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Check Amazon for the GM part number on the connectors. . Usually pretty cheap.

Thees Sonics are cool small cars and worth taking care of. Just a few simple things to replace after a few years.

Don't fordet to buy new clamps for the heater hoses as well/

 

[JTee2017]

When you do the T-stat. . price and buy the very thin vacuum hose and other thin hoses that go to the T-stat housing. They get brittle and break when trying to disconnect.

Here is just one, but there are two more I think that are involved.

https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-25192905-Original-Equipment-Throttle/dp/B014VZH8LS/ref=pd_bxgy_263_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B014VZH8LS&pd_rd_r=YGBZ2WRVJXF9DZ8METZ5&pd_rd_w=Eqi08&pd_rd_wg=6PlX7&psc=1&refRID=YGBZ2WRVJXF9DZ8METZ5

 

[Texas Kid]

2012 LTZ, 1.8.
Looks like I have the typical situation of needing to replace the thermostat and housing. I'm wondering about this "metal pipe" and o-ring I keep reading about. Is there something mysterious going on between the thermostat and housing, other than the one single o-ring for the thermostat? Is there something between the thermostat and thermostat housing (as if it were one unit) and the engine? I've seen pictures of a pipe that looks like is detached from something - not sure what it is - part of exhaust? Anyway - I guess what I'm trying to figure out is when I buy the thermostat and housing, is there something else? I'm familiar with the hose that might fail on top of the housing. I hate having to stop in the middle of a job and go to the parts store. Thanks!