EVIL ENERGY Thermostat Housing assembly 68003582AB 902-319 Compatible with Chrysler Sebring Dodge Avenger Caliber Journey 2.4

Q: What symptoms point to a failed thermostat housing on Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep 2.4L models?

A: A cracked housing usually leaves wet coolant or dried residue around the housing and hose connections, produces a sweet coolant smell, or causes the reservoir level to fall repeatedly.

A thermostat stuck open can trigger P0128/P0126, slow engine warm-up, weak cabin heat, and poor fuel economy. A stuck-closed thermostat may cause rapid overheating or coolant boiling. Pressure-test the system and check live coolant-temperature data because a leaking hose, radiator, water pump, temperature sensor, or trapped air can create similar symptoms.

Q: Why can replacing one thermostat fail to correct a P0128 code on the 2.4L engine?

A: This 2.4L cooling system uses primary and secondary thermostats in different positions. The primary thermostat sits at the front of the water plenum, while the secondary thermostat is located beneath the plenum at the cylinder head. If only one is replaced, the other may still be stuck open or closed. Incorrect thermostat placement, an air pocket, or a faulty coolant-temperature sensor can also cause the code to return. Diagnose both thermostat circuits before ordering parts.

Q: How do I choose the correct housing for my 2.4L vehicle?

A: Verify the VIN, engine size, model year, original housing number, hose-port layout, and the thermostats included in the package.

Do not order by vehicle name alone because the same Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep model may also have a 2.0L, 2.7L, 3.5L, or 3.6L engine with a different cooling system. OE 68003582AB has also been replaced in Mopar’s catalog by 68003582AC, so either number may appear on a correct-fit replacement.

Q: How much does thermostat-housing replacement usually cost on a Dodge Journey 2.4L?

A: U.S. shop pricing commonly falls between approximately $300 and $620, depending on model year, local labor rates, and whether one or both thermostats are replaced. Current estimates list roughly $301–$391 for some 2011–2012 Journeys and $563–$620 for several 2013–2017 models. Coolant, diagnosis, damaged hoses, a temperature sensor, or overheating-related repairs can increase the total. Confirm whether the estimate covers both thermostats, coolant refill, bleeding, and leak testing.

Q: What are the most important installation steps for this 2.4L thermostat housing?

A: Start with a completely cold engine and drain the coolant below the housing. Access commonly requires removing the air-filter housing, disconnecting several coolant hoses, removing the housing fasteners, and carefully separating the adapter from the water-pump inlet tube. Replace disturbed seals, clean the mating surfaces, and position each thermostat and bleed vent exactly as specified for the vehicle.

Refill with the owner-manual-approved coolant, remove trapped air, warm the engine fully, and check for leaks and stable temperature before road testing.

Q: How long does the thermostat housing last, and how should it be maintained?

A: There is no fixed replacement mileage; service life depends on heat cycles, coolant condition, previous overheating, and stress from aging hoses. Inspect the reservoir level regularly, investigate recurring coolant loss immediately, and never mix incompatible coolant types. Check the plastic housing, hose joints, seals, and nearby wiring for residue or cracking during routine service. Mopar recommends checking the 2.4L coolant bottle regularly and avoiding overfilling; frequent topping-off indicates a leak that should be repaired rather than treated as normal consumption.