Where is the thermostat located on the Malibu XL?

[MacHazel]

The thermostat on the Malibu XL is located at the rear side of the engine, installed at the coolant outlet on the upper part of the engine cooling system. The thermostat is a valve that controls the flow path of the coolant, serving as an automatic temperature-regulating device. It typically contains a temperature-sensitive component that opens or closes the flow of air, gas, or liquid through thermal expansion or contraction. The Malibu XL comes in various models, each with different body dimensions. For the 2019 Malibu model, the body dimensions are 4933mm in length, 1854mm in width, and 1472mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2829mm. The side profile of the vehicle features a fastback design, complemented by a small rear spoiler, giving the overall appearance a strong sporty visual effect.

[SanNorah]

I remember the first time I helped a friend locate the thermostat position on the Malibu XL. It took me quite a while to figure it out while working in the engine bay. It's usually hidden between the engine and the water pump, wrapped by several thick coolant hoses. To be specific, it's located on the side of the engine block, below the intake piping. You'll need to remove the engine upper cover to get a clear view—it's a disc-shaped metal housing with two pipe connectors. If you're doing it yourself, be extra careful as coolant may leak, so prepare antifreeze in advance. The position is a bit tricky, and reaching in can easily result in burns, so it's recommended to let the engine cool down before working. If the engine warning light comes on or the temperature gauge shows abnormalities, there's an 80% chance it's stuck. During routine maintenance, check for any leaks at the hose connectors to spot issues early.

[LaPaisley]

When it comes to the thermostat location on the Malibu XL, I can provide some solid information. This vehicle comes in both 1.5T and 2.0T versions, but the thermostat is installed near the water pump inlet on the right side of the engine in both cases. Open the hood and first locate the black coolant reservoir. Follow the thick hose underneath the reservoir - it's mounted against the cylinder block at the bend. The metal housing looks like a small flying saucer, about 7-8cm in diameter. Replacement is quite challenging as you'll need to remove the air filter box and some wiring harnesses. I've seen many cases where leaking coolant corroded holes in the thermostat housing, especially in humid southern regions. Those who've upgraded to larger radiators should particularly check thermostat compatibility to avoid affecting cooling efficiency. If you're not confident doing it yourself, better take it to an auto repair shop.

[Meredith]

The thermostat of the Malibu XL is located in the upper-middle section of the engine, nestled among dense piping. It controls the switching of coolant between the large and small circulation loops. The easiest way to locate it is by following the upper radiator hose, which connects the radiator to the engine cylinder head. The thermostat is clamped at the junction where the hose bends into the engine. Externally, it appears as a circular metal component with a spring—the valve remains closed at low temperatures and opens when hot. The most noticeable symptom of a malfunction is rapid water temperature rise after a cold start, coupled with lack of heat when the heater is turned on. It is recommended to check the valve's flexibility every 60,000 kilometers. Due to its concealed position, regular cleaning of surrounding oil residue is advised to prevent dirt buildup from affecting functionality.