Thermostat Housing Assembly, 902-3035 Engine Coolant Thermostat Compatible with 2011-2022 Chrysler 300 2011-2022 Dodge Challenger Charger 3.6L, 5184977AD, 5184977AE

Q: Can I drive without a thermostat housing?

A: No. The housing holds the thermostat, connects the radiator hose, seals the coolant passage, and allows the cooling system to maintain pressure. Without it, coolant will escape and the engine can overheat within minutes. Driving with the thermostat removed but the housing installed is also not recommended because the engine may run too cold, set P0128, reduce heater output, and increase fuel consumption. Stop driving if the temperature gauge reaches HOT.

Q: Is a thermostat housing the same as a coolant housing?

A: Sometimes, but “coolant housing” is a broader, informal term that may also describe a water outlet, coolant crossover, oil-cooler housing, or other coolant-carrying component. For this EVIL ENERGY product, “engine coolant thermostat housing,” “thermostat housing,” and “water outlet” refer to the assembly that contains the thermostat. Match part number 902-3035, 5184977AD, or 5184977AE instead of relying on the component name alone.

Q: How much does it cost to replace a thermostat housing on a Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, or Challenger?

A: A professional replacement for these vehicles generally costs about $200–$600 in the United States, depending on model year, labor rate, diagnosis, and coolant service. RepairPal currently estimates an average Dodge Charger thermostat replacement at $341–$370, while year-specific estimates range from approximately $214 to $579; dealership pricing may be higher. The EVIL ENERGY assembly is currently listed at $20.59, so most of the installed cost comes from labor, coolant, and testing.

Q: Does this 902-3035 thermostat housing fit every 2011–2022 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger?

A: No. It is designed for specified 2011–2022 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger models equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6. It is not for 5.7L, 6.2L, or 6.4L V8 engines. Before ordering, verify the 3.6L engine, compare the housing and hose outlet with the original, and match OE number 5184977AD or 5184977AE; VIN verification is recommended.

Q: What symptoms indicate that this thermostat housing assembly may need replacement?

A: Relevant symptoms include coolant leaking near the housing or upper radiator hose, dried coolant residue, a sweet smell, repeated coolant loss, slow engine warm-up, weak cabin heat, P0128, or overheating. A stuck-open thermostat usually causes low operating temperature and P0128, while a stuck-closed thermostat can cause rapid overheating. Pressure-test the system before replacement because a hose, radiator, water pump, temperature sensor, or another coolant component can produce similar symptoms.

Q: What is included, and what should I know before installing it?

A: The package contains one plastic thermostat housing, one thermostat, one rubber gasket, and one pair of nitrile gloves. The thermostat is an OE-style 203°F/95°C unit. Install it only on a cold engine, clean the sealing surface, use the new gasket, tighten the fasteners to the vehicle’s factory specification, and refill and bleed the cooling system completely. Coolant requirements vary across the 2011–2022 range: a 2011 Chrysler 300 specifies HOAT coolant, while a 2022 Charger specifies OAT coolant meeting MS.90032. Never mix HOAT and OAT; follow the exact model-year owner’s manual.