How to Replace Thermostat & Housing 2017-2022 GMC Acadia

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This video shows you how to install a new TRQ thermostat and housing in your 2017-2022 GMC Acadia. The thermostat controls the flow of coolant in your vehicle’s engine. When a thermostat fails, it can lead to overheating, which will damage the engine. One sign of a faulty thermostat is a cool upper radiator hose when the engine is at full operating temperature. It’s important to replace the thermostat immediately if you suspect it is failing.

This repair was done on a 2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6L Sport Utility 4-Door 4WD Automatic and the process should be similar on the following vehicles:
2017 GMC Acadia
2018 GMC Acadia
2019 GMC Acadia
2020 GMC Acadia
2021 GMC Acadia
2022 GMC Acadia
2023 GMC Acadia

Tools you will need:
• Safety Glasses
• Bucket
• Funnel

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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While TRQ strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. TRQ is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

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[stephenreill]

Thanks for the great vid. What a ridiculous amount of work to change a thermostat. Gotta love the

[gildardomedina]

Just changed it on my 2020 Chevy Blazer 3.6 engine which is the exact same engine as this Acadia. Thanks to you Guys I saved myself $800 from the dealership rip offs

[kris]

This is the MOST thorough walk-through that I've been able to find. Thank you!

[ChaseHess-zp]

This job seemed daunting, but with your video I was able to anticipate issues and be prepared. I replaced the thermostat, coolant temperature sensor and spark plugs on a 2017 Acadia in a couple of hours. On note- I was able to do it without removing the battery etc. Thanks for the incredibly helpful video!

[VinnyGjokaj]

Thanks for the video! It’s an amazing source. A couple points; 1) don’t replace the tube, just replace the seal on it, this way you don’t need to remove the battery and etc. 2) you must remove the hose from the pipe like he did or you will get coolant everywhere! 3) spend the $7 and also replace the temp sensor while you’re at it, you have to remove the heads or thermostat to get to it down the road if it goes bad. 4) before you remove the intake manifold blow the engine bay out really well with air /leaf blower, try and get all the cavities because the sand and dirt will fall into the heads if you don’t and it’s not good.

[CA-lkfd]

We just took our 18’ Acadia with 55k miles in this morning for the same thing this is. Temp gauge wouldn’t read intermittently, finally got a code and check engine light. I’ve replaced many thermostats in many vehicles in my life, but wow…. This would’ve been a little project. The dealer didn’t know at first we had an extended warranty, (GM certified) they said around $1300 if we didn’t have that. I probably would’ve done this myself before I paid that, I just hope they have a good tech working on it, lots of things have to be taken apart. Great detailed video by the way, you’re very careful and professional!

[roberthayes]

Thanks for the detailed instructions. I didn't take the battery and fuse box out. It made getting the bolt out/in for the thermostat pipe a little difficult, but not too bad. I tied a 3 foot piece of dental floss to the bolt in case I dropped it, which I did several times. Just pull up the floss and you got your bolt back! The floss will break once you tighten the bolt.

[shanekromer]

Great informational video took, me about 4 hours to do this myself and saved around 500 bucks. Thanks hero!

[horacioparra]

I was getting ready to change it my self until I came across a forum. And someone in the comments advice to reset the codes with the code reader. Sometimes the sensors glitches and throws a fault. I did as he said, It work!!! The power steering went back to normal and started blowing cold air again . But I'm still saving this video just incase I have future issues .

[aprilgallagher]

I just took my 2019 Acadia yesterday to the dealership for the steering sensor issue as well, they advised it’s the coolant thermostat….but it’s on back order with no idea when it will be available. Last night my check engine light came on, had it diagnosed at the local auto parts store and the code is related to the thermostat as well. Why aren’t they just doing a recall on the coolant thermostat?? With how many people I’ve seen with the same problem it only seems right for GM to do. These thermostats are supposed to last way longer than 3 years!!

[johnsumila]

What a great detailed video which saved me a ton of money by doing it myself. I did not remove the battery box and left the radiator hose attached to the pipe. I also changed out the coolant temperature sensor since it was easy to access with the thermostat out. Sensor was under $10 so it makes since replace while apart. Also replaced 6 manifold gaskets.

[instanttang]

Thank you for doing such a detailed video. I completed the repair on my Cadillac XT5 in 4 hours. I did not remove the battery or tray because I had enough room to work in the caddy. I also changed out the coolant sensor since it was easy to get to with tstat out. A 15mm clawfoot socket/wrench makes the sensor change easier.

[jasonkrow]

Just changed it. Your video is top of the line and it saved me!! Thank you!!!

[davehoeksema]

Excellent video, what a pain, not like the old days.

[pedrojrsalinas]

Did this in 2hours. Thanks for the tip smooth like butter

[JohnGeezyBaby]

You just saved me $1800!!! THANK YOU!!

[ChipCates]

Watched the video and followed the steps for changing the thermostat. I must say it was quite a task with only helf of my tools being available. Overall took less than 4 hours along with double checking all connections. Thank you so much for the information!!

[edrachor]

Excellant video, Thank You....even a 79 year old guy could do this change out by following your video on my wife's 2017 XT5 . Why is there a national shortage for this part? I had to drive 90 miles to obtain this part. Again THANK YOU!!!

[nathanw]

I don't know if this'll help anyone, but I just did this job in about 2 hours. You 100% do not have to remove the airbox or the battery tray. You can get to everything you need just by removing the intake and tube. Super easy.