How to: Ford Mondeo & Focus (Duratec HE) thermostat replace

Simple DIY how to: changing the thermostat on a Ford Duratec HE engine. The car featured is a Ford Mondeo Mk3 (2000--2007) but the procedure is much the same for any car using the Duratec HE, e.g. the Focus Mk2.

You will need:
* New thermostat to suit, pay attention to which version you need: heated (with connector, Ford Mondeo part # 1358178), or dumb (connector-less Ford Mondeo part # 1476205)
* Socket set, 1/4" or 3/8" components, ratchet handle and extension(s)
* Pliers or mole grips / vise-grips
* Flashlight
* Brake clean or solvent/cleaner and rags
* Premixed coolant (to Ford spec WSS-M97B44-D) and funnel to top up lost fluid, OR all materials to do a full drain and refill (see coolant change video)
* Helpful: hot air gun
* Helpful: small mirror.

[CraigsDIY]

Amazon links to relevant products from the description:

[roarad]

Great videos Craig, I recently purchased a 20 year old mondeo as a renovation project. Your tutorials really help.

[Vedy]

It was soo hard without taking the evacuation gallery off!!! Just changed mine today thanks to you, also put new antifreeze (didn't need to flush cause my thermostat had a tiny crack so I lost 1 liter per day, and I put in only distiled water). It works like a charm! Thanks again man!

[j.p]

I would like to thank you for your help with my car. After watching your vid's I have been able to get a lot of work done that would of cost me a lot of money in a garage.

[JJørgensen]

Craig, thank you! Soon I will replace an EGR and this thermostat. Both videos helped me much to understand that I can do it by myself and avoid overpriced services. The only thing, I just figured out, is that MK3 Mondeo Duratec HE engines have two models of thermostat, one with electric connector (temp sensor or electronic control?) and one without it. The model without it is cheaper and was used in Mondeo manufactured from 2005 to end of production in 2007. Older Mondeo´s thermostat has that electronic connector. I own one of the last (02/2007) so I took a look there and it confirms it. (German model, it is possible that UK models have this otherwise)

[nicolasloquet]

Thx for your video, it just helped me change my thermostat on my '02 Mondeo. I tried to mount the new thermostat with the existing spring clamps but they were too much of a pain in the a..., so I gave up and bought the same kind of clips than you :).

[jensb.]

Just replaced the thermostat on my Mondeo. Same problem with the broken plastic arms. Thanks for your helpful video! Greetings from Germany.

[garystanley]

When I’m working with hoses to put them back on I use a drop of washing up liquid inside the end. Works a treat.

[LA_Commander]

If you are going to reuse the old hoses, then also reuse the factory spring style clamps. Reason being is they have embedded into the hose and placing a different clamp there will cause problems. Make sure the old spring clamps are in the exact same position on the hose that they were before you removed the hose. If you are using brand new hoses, then feel free to use either spring style or band style. Also, I recommend spending the extra money and purchasing a Ford or Motorcraft thermostat housing. Don't purchase the cheapy aftermarket 'made in China' part. You are risking a leak or worse. Since this repair is kind of a pain to do, you want the repair to last for years. I know it may cost more, but it's worth it. Use the dealer part here. Great video. Thanks!

[Viktor.holmberg]

Thank you, it helped alot! We managed to remove the hoses before removing the thermostat. Got a bit nervous when the plastic arms on the old thermostat was intact, but it had failed in some other way :)

[tn]

I just did this on a 2008 Focus SE (USA model). On mine, I also needed to remove the transmission dipstick tube in order to get clearance to remove the intake manifold. This was per the Ford maintenance book I bought online for $15 (it's a CD with the service manual, worth every penny). And the manual is right, it wasn't possible to get any clearance until I removed it. There are two bolts. First follow the line down with your hand under the throttle body area and wiring harnesses. There is a bolt securing the tube there. Then, under the car, reach a hand up on top of transmission housing and find where the tube enters it, and the bolt right next to it that secures the tube to top of transmission. Undo that one (by feel alone). Finally, shimmy the tube back and forth while pulling up with some strength to free it from the housing. Oh, and make sure you clean around the area with a rag FIRST to minimize debris entering the transmission from that open hole. To get back in, have a friend push and shimmy from above while you guide into the hole from below the vehicle, again by feel. It's a little frustrating but possible.

[pawelw]

Mine was without sensor and there was less space because I had some wires instead. Without flexible wired extension I wouldn't be able to did that. It saved my life. So IT'S A MUST HAVE.

[nokkis]

Thanks for the great video! The needle of the thermometer of my 2002 Monty has not been moving a lot since September. I thought it's not very critical and only recently learned (from my brother) that it actually is quite critical. Also driving at -20 C (in Finland) was not very pleasant because the heater was hardly blowing any warm air. Now I need to find a new thermostat and try replacing. Hopefully the weather is getting a bit warmer before that. I'm having my first car (and I'm already 57) and there seem to be a lot of things to be learned. I like your soft/calm presenting style and clear book English(suits for non natives).

[Grinder-one]

Great vid and I'm gl;ad you posted on talkford because videos like this are a great asset to such forums.
Thanks for uploading.

[MrCaprinut]

Good video :-)

Normal operation temp for Duratech HE is 95-105C, mine is running usually at 102-103C.
I also suspect my thermostat is broken, run at correct temp, but take a while to get there.

Cheers from Norway
Richard

[waynegray]

Awesome video thanks.. I’ll be changing one tomorrow. 🇳🇿

[davidquirk]

Moben pliers are the correct tool for these spring clips. We use these clips on the assembly line at JCB Power Systems and they come with a one hit plastic clip on them to hold them in the open position whilst they're fitted. You could probably open them and slip a small washer over the ears to do the same thing.

[pingchan]

Thank you so much Craig, I learn a lot from you, Many thanks

[cravensdmufan]

Very helpful, thank you for such a clearly presented video.

[moodyjeep]

An Awesome Video Craig, I will Be Confidently Taking This On After Watching This, Thanks Craig.
Regards Barrie.