Safety Glasses
Nitrile Gloves
Coolant
Thermostat
Torque Wrench
Drain Pan
Ratchets
Sockets
Today, we’ll be replacing the thermostat on this 2012 F-150, and procedures will be similar on a lot of 5-liter F-150s from 2009 to 2017, but be sure to know the specifics for your truck before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
Step 1: Place the Drain Pan and Open the Hood
Park on a flat surface and wait for the engine to cool down. Then, place a fluid catch pan under the radiator petcock and open the hood.
Step 2: Open the Radiator Petcock
Open the petcock and allow the coolant to drain into the pan. Once the system has been drained completely, close the petcock.
Step 3: Disconnect the Hoses and Electrical Connector
After letting the system drain, disconnect the hoses and the electrical connector.
Step 4: Remove the Air Intake Tube
Remove the air intake tube to gain access to the water pump.
Step 5: Remove the Accessory Drive Belt
You may also need to remove the accessory drive belt by loosening the tensioner with a 15mm socket and a breaker bar, and by sliding the belt off of the pulleys. This prevents the belt from being contaminated by the coolant from the thermostat, which can cause the belt to slip.
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Do It Right: If your F-150 has a separate A/C compressor belt, it can be covered with waterproof plastic. |
Step 6: Disconnect the Lower Radiator Hose
To remove the thermostat housing, release the spring clamp on the coolant inlet and disconnect the lower radiator hose.
Step 7: Remove the Housing Bolts
Then you can remove the bolts at the coolant inlet connection. This will allow the thermostat housing inlet to be removed from the housing.
Step 8: Remove the Old Thermostat
Remove the old thermostat and the O-ring.
Step 9: Lubricate the O-ring
Lubricate the new O-ring with engine coolant.
Step 10: Install the New Thermostat
Install the new thermostat and O-ring. Then, reinstall the coolant inlet and bolts. Torque the bolts to 89 inch pounds.
Step 11: Reinstall the Lower Radiator Hose
Now you can reconnect the lower radiator hose and re-engage the spring clamp.
Step 12: Reinstall the Accessory Drive Belt
Loop the belt over all of the pulleys except one, then release tension on the tensioner and slide the belt into place. Slowly release the tensioner to return tension to the belt.
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Do It Right: If there is any coolant on the drive belt pulleys, rinse them with clean water before reinstalling the belt. You can also remove the plastic covering from the A/C compressor belt at this point. |
Step 13: Reinstall the Air Cleaner Outlet Tube
Reinstall the air cleaner outlet tube by securing the hoses and electrical connectors.
Step 14: Fill the Cooling System
Fill the cooling system with antifreeze, remove the drain pan, and start your vehicle. Let your Ford F-150 warm up to operating temperature with the heater on. If the heater is blowing warm air, turn the truck off and check the coolant level. Add coolant as needed then close the hood.
The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.