Thermostat Troubles in My 2017 Chevy Silverado - Need Advice!

Chevrolet Models Chevrolet Silverado
1

I’ve been having some issues with the thermostat in my 2017 Chevy Silverado, and I’d love to get some input from anyone who might have experienced something similar.

Common Symptoms

I’ve noticed a few signs that lead me to believe the thermostat might be acting up:

  • Temperature Fluctuations: The temperature gauge seems to bounce around a lot, especially during long drives.
  • Coolant Leaks: I found some coolant underneath the vehicle, which got me worried about the thermostat’s seal.
  • Poor Cabin Heating: The heater doesn’t seem to get as hot as it used to, even after the engine warms up.

Questions I Have

  1. Troubleshooting Steps: Are there any specific diagnostic tests or checks I can perform to confirm it’s the thermostat?
  2. Replacement Tips: If I do need to replace it, any recommendations for aftermarket parts versus OEM?
  3. Installation Guidance: How complicated is it to replace the thermostat myself? Any special tools required?

Additional Info

I’ve done regular maintenance on the truck and everything else seems to be in good shape. I’d appreciate any tips, personal experiences, or resources you all might have. It’s frustrating dealing with issues like this, and I want to get it sorted out before the winter really kicks in, as I rely on my Silverado for daily drives.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

2

I’ve heard that the thermostat issues in the 2017 Chevy Silverado often lead to overheating. My friend had a similar problem, and it turned out to be a faulty thermostat sensor.

3

That’s true! Overheating can be really stressful. My Silverado started overheating on long trips, and I had to get my thermostat replaced.

4

Yeah, overheating is a major concern! Another symptom I experienced was the temperature gauge fluctuating. It was so frustrating!

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5

I had the same issue! It’s like my truck was playing tricks on me. I found that a coolant flush helped temporarily.

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6

Fluctuating gauges can definitely signal thermostat trouble. You might also notice that the cabin isn’t getting hot enough. Has anyone else had issues with that?

7

I’ve experienced that too! Cold air blasts in winter are no fun. A friend mentioned that it could be a stuck-open thermostat situation.

8

Exactly! If the thermostat is stuck open, it won’t allow the engine to warm up properly which can lead to those cold cabin experiences. Has anyone replaced their thermostat by themselves?

9

I tried replacing mine and it was a bit tricky, but totally doable! If you have the right tools, it’s like a fun weekend project. Just make sure you have a plan!

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10

Haha, a fun project? More like a wild adventure! But seriously, tackling it yourself can save a lot of money. Did anyone have warning lights pop up before the thermostat failed?

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11

Yes! The check engine light came on right before it started overheating. It was such a headache. I wish it had been more obvious!

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12

That’s frustrating! Some people say these warning lights feel more like mysterious riddles than helpful alerts.

13

So true! It’s like we need a decoder ring for those lights. I think more transparency from manufacturers would really help us avoid these issues.

14

I agree with you, ereyes. It would be nice if they provided clearer information. Has anyone here considered getting an OBD-II scanner to diagnose issues?

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15

I actually bought one! It’s amazing how helpful it is. It gave me insights into the thermostat issue before it got worse. Highly recommend it for any Silverado owner!

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16

That sounds like a great investment, paul81! It’s always better to catch these problems early. I’m thinking of getting one myself after hearing your experience.

17

Smart choice! Knowledge is power when it comes to car troubleshooting. Let’s hope we all avoid future thermostat drama!

18

I’ve had similar issues with my Silverado. It’s likely your thermostat is stuck closed. You can replace it yourself if you have the right tools, like a socket wrench set and a coolant catch pan. It’s not too complicated if you’re comfortable working under the hood.

19

I agree! Mine got stuck open, which was even worse. If you’re considering DIY, make sure you check videos online. They can guide you through the steps!

20

For repairing or replacing, I found that a part from AutoZone costs around $30. Labor quotes I got were about $150-$200 for a shop. If you’re handy, definitely try the DIY route first!