Fiat 500 1.2 Petrol How to replace the Thermostat 2008 to 2020 DIY

Here is how to replace a broken thermostat on a Fiat 500 1.2 Petrol.

There are a common thing to break, they can either leak, stick open or closed or just perish with age. They can be refurbished and gaskets can be replaced but they are so inexpensive to buy that if you have problems with one then it's best to change it.

The car used in the video is a 2013 Fiat 500 1.2 (1242cc) and this procedure should be identical for all 1.2 500's from circa 2008 to 2020. Also it should be the same for the Fiat Panda's, Ford KA's, Lancia/Chrysler Ypsilon's and any other car fitted with the later 1242cc "FIRE" engine. On the older versions with this engine such as the earlier Fiat Punto's the Thermostat has an extra hose attached but the process should be more or less the same.

Tools and items used and where you can buy there are shown below:

Thermostat with gasket - the part you're replacing:

https://amzn.to/49Rdd6j

Hose clips - you need to replace at least one when doing this job, you can buy cheap ones but I'd advise against it, the genuine Jubilee ones are strong and well make, you can get them here:

https://amzn.to/3upY3ou

Hose clip pliers - The tool I used in the video is fantastic for closing up the reusable clips, it makes it SOOO much easier and doesn't cost much:

https://amzn.to/3RbGamc

Antifreeze coolant - Always use the same colour as what is originally in the car. Fiat recommend their own brand "Paraflu" but the Mannol stuff works just as well:

https://amzn.to/46qLYwC

BOSCH mini ratchet set - I bought this a while ago and found the tiny ratchet really useful for smaller harder to reach bolts:

https://amzn.to/49I3yPD

Penetrating oil (WD40) Most will have it but if not you can buy it here:

https://amzn.to/40Oklw8

Affordable spanner set - again most will have then but if not here is a link to a low cost spanner set with all the standard sizes you will ever need:

https://amzn.to/3G8GPP8

That's all you'll need - this an easy job to do, when you remove the old thermostat you will most likely have coolant pour out from the engine and also from the larger hose! It's not always the case if the thermostat has been stuck closed for a long time (like in the video) I didn't expect on this car for both the hose and engine to be dry but this is why we replace broke parts!

If this video helps you or you found something useful in it then I'd be really grateful if you could take a moment to click the thumbs up and subscribe to the channel for more videos fixing broken things!

This is how I did the job, I am a just a car enthusiast and have basic tools. The video is meant as a guide for entertainment purposes only. If it helps someone that's fantastic but if in any doubt then always consult a professional mechanic before undertaking a project yourself.