There’s nothing that kills a great day on the trails faster than seeing that temperature gauge creep into the red. You’re out there to conquer mud and tear up terrain, not to sit on the sidelines with a steaming engine.
If you’ve been dealing with overheating, strange temperature fluctuations, or just want to get ahead on maintenance, you’ve come to the right place. We agree, engine trouble is the last thing any rider wants.
We promise to walk you through everything you need to know about your can am renegade thermostat, from spotting the first signs of trouble to swapping it out like a seasoned pro. This is the ultimate DIYer’s troubleshooting and replacement manual.
In this guide, we’ll cover the tell-tale signs of a bad thermostat, the exact tools you’ll need, a detailed step-by-step replacement process, and some pro tips to keep your machine running cool for years to come. Let’s get your Renegade back to peak performance.
What is a Can-Am Renegade Thermostat and Why Does It Matter?
Think of the thermostat as the bouncer for your Renegade’s cooling system. It’s a small, simple, but absolutely critical valve that controls the flow of coolant from the engine to the radiator.
Its one job is to make sure your engine operates in its ideal temperature range—not too hot, and not too cold. This simple part has huge implications for your ATV’s health and performance.
How This Tiny Part Protects Your Engine
When you first start your Renegade, the thermostat stays closed. This blocks coolant from going to the radiator, allowing the engine to warm up quickly and efficiently. An engine at its proper operating temperature runs smoother, burns fuel more completely, and suffers less internal wear.
Once the coolant reaches a specific temperature (usually around 180-195°F or 82-90°C), a wax pellet inside the thermostat melts and expands, pushing the valve open. This allows hot coolant to flow to the radiator to be cooled, and cooler coolant to flow back into the engine. This cycle is one of the key benefits of a can am renegade thermostat working correctly: it keeps your engine perfectly balanced.
Telltale Signs: Diagnosing Common Problems with Your Can Am Renegade Thermostat
A failing thermostat doesn’t usually die silently. It gives you warning signs. Knowing what to look for can save you from a catastrophic engine failure on the trail. These are the most common problems with a can am renegade thermostat that you need to watch out for.
Symptom 1: Overheating Engine
This is the classic and most dangerous symptom. If the thermostat gets stuck in the closed position, it traps hot coolant in the engine. The coolant can’t get to the radiator to cool down, causing your engine temperature to skyrocket into the red zone. If you see this, pull over immediately and shut it down.
Symptom 2: Engine Running Too Cold (or Taking Forever to Warm Up)
On the flip side, a thermostat can get stuck in the open position. This means coolant is constantly flowing to the radiator, even when the engine is cold. Your engine will struggle to reach its optimal operating temperature, leading to poor fuel economy, increased emissions, and accelerated engine wear over time.
Symptom 3: Erratic Temperature Gauge Readings
Is your temp gauge acting possessed? Bouncing from hot to cold for no reason? This often indicates a thermostat that is struggling to open and close smoothly. It might be sticking, then suddenly opening, causing rapid temperature fluctuations that are a clear sign of impending failure.
Symptom 4: Coolant Leaks Around the Housing
Sometimes the problem isn’t the thermostat itself, but the gasket that seals it or the housing it sits in. If you see coolant weeping or dripping from the area where the main radiator hose connects to the engine, it’s time for a closer look. A leak here means you’re losing coolant and pressure, which will lead to overheating.
Tools & Parts: Gearing Up for the Thermostat Swap
Before you dive in, let’s get your battle station prepped. Having the right tools and parts on hand makes the job smooth and prevents a mid-project run to the auto parts store. This is your essential checklist for a successful thermostat replacement.
Essential Tools You’ll Need
- Socket Set: A basic set with 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm sockets will likely cover the housing bolts.
- Pliers: A good pair of slip-joint or hose clamp pliers is essential for removing the spring-style hose clamps.
- Drain Pan: To catch the old coolant. Make sure it’s big enough to hold at least 1-2 gallons.
- Funnel: A clean funnel will make refilling the coolant a mess-free job.
- Scraper or Razor Blade: For carefully cleaning old gasket material off the engine and housing surfaces.
- Shop Rags or Paper Towels: For cleanup. You’ll need them.
The Right Parts for the Job
- New Thermostat: This is non-negotiable. We highly recommend using an OEM Can-Am thermostat to ensure the correct temperature rating and fit. Don’t cheap out on this part.
- New Gasket: Always replace the gasket or O-ring. Reusing the old one is asking for a leak.
- Coolant: Check your owner’s manual for the specific type of coolant your Renegade requires. Get a pre-mixed 50/50 solution or a concentrate that you can mix with distilled water (never tap water!).
How to Can Am Renegade Thermostat Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, it’s time to get our hands dirty. This complete can am renegade thermostat guide will walk you through the entire process. Take your time, stay organized, and you’ll have this done in no time.
WARNING: Ensure the engine is completely cool before starting any work. Hot, pressurized coolant can cause severe burns.
Step 1: Drain the Coolant
Place your drain pan under the ATV. Locate the lowest point in the cooling system, which is usually the bottom radiator hose. Use your pliers to squeeze the hose clamp and slide it down the hose. Gently twist and pull the hose off the radiator fitting and let the coolant drain completely into the pan.
Step 2: Locate the Thermostat Housing
Follow the large upper radiator hose from the top of the radiator back to where it connects to the engine’s cylinder head. The metal fitting it connects to, typically held on by two or three bolts, is the thermostat housing.
Step 3: Remove the Housing
First, remove the hose clamp and pull the upper radiator hose off the housing. Then, use your socket set to remove the bolts holding the housing to the engine. A little more coolant may spill out, which is normal.
Step 4: Remove the Old Thermostat
With the housing removed, you’ll see the old thermostat sitting inside. Simply lift it out. Pay close attention to its orientation—specifically, the position of the small “jiggle valve” or “bleeder valve” on the thermostat’s flange. It’s usually installed in the 12 o’clock position.
Step 5: Clean the Mating Surfaces
This is a critical step for preventing leaks. Use your scraper or razor blade to carefully remove every last bit of the old gasket from both the engine surface and the thermostat housing. The surfaces must be perfectly clean and smooth.
Step 6: Install the New Thermostat and Gasket
Place the new thermostat into the engine recess, making sure to orient it the same way the old one came out (jiggle valve up!). Then, place the new gasket on top, ensuring it lines up with the bolt holes.
Step 7: Reinstall the Housing and Hoses
Carefully place the housing back over the new gasket and thermostat. Start the bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten them down evenly in a crisscross pattern until they are snug. Don’t over-tighten them. Reconnect both the upper and lower radiator hoses and secure the clamps.
Step 8: Refill the Cooling System
Place your funnel in the radiator opening and slowly pour in the new coolant. Fill it until it reaches the base of the radiator neck. Squeeze the upper radiator hose a few times to help push out any large air pockets.
Step 9: Bleed the Air from the System
This is the most important final step. Leave the radiator cap OFF. Start the engine and let it idle. You’ll see air bubbles coming up through the coolant in the radiator. As the engine warms up and the thermostat opens, the coolant level will drop. Keep topping it off until the engine reaches operating temperature and you no longer see bubbles. This ensures there are no air pockets that can cause overheating.
Step 10: Final Checks
Once all the air is out, top off the radiator one last time and securely install the cap. Fill the coolant overflow reservoir to the “Full Cold” line. Let the machine cool down completely, then re-check the coolant level in the radiator and reservoir, topping off as needed. Check for any leaks around the housing.
Best Practices and Pro Tips for Thermostat Care
Replacing the part is one thing, but adopting smart habits ensures longevity. Following these can am renegade thermostat best practices will keep your cooling system happy.
Go Beyond the Thermostat
While you have the system drained, it’s the perfect time to inspect your radiator hoses for cracks, swelling, or soft spots. Also, check your radiator fins and clean out any caked-on mud or debris that could be blocking airflow. This is a key part of any good can am renegade thermostat care guide.
The “Burp” is Non-Negotiable
We can’t stress this enough: properly bleeding the air out of the system is just as important as installing the part correctly. An air pocket trapped in the cylinder head can create a hot spot and cause serious engine damage, even with a brand-new thermostat.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Coolant Disposal
Engine coolant (antifreeze) is highly toxic to animals and the environment. Never pour it down a drain or on the ground. To practice sustainable can am renegade thermostat maintenance, pour the old coolant into a sealed container (like the empty jug from your new coolant) and take it to your local auto parts store or municipal hazardous waste facility. Most will accept it for recycling free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can Am Renegade Thermostat
How often should I replace my Renegade’s thermostat?
There’s no strict replacement interval. It’s not a routine maintenance item, but it’s good practice to replace it as a preventative measure every 4-5 years, or anytime you perform a complete coolant flush. It’s a cheap part that can prevent a very expensive failure.
Can I run my Renegade without a thermostat?
We strongly advise against this. While it might seem like a quick fix for overheating, running without a thermostat will cause your engine to run too cool. This leads to poor fuel atomization, increased internal wear, sludge buildup, and terrible performance.
What temperature thermostat should I use?
Always stick with the OEM-specified temperature rating for your model year. Using a “cooler” or “hotter” thermostat can throw off the engine’s computer and fuel mapping, leading to performance issues unless your machine is heavily modified and professionally tuned.
My Renegade is still overheating after replacing the thermostat. What’s next?
If a new thermostat didn’t solve the problem, it’s time to look at other potential culprits. Check for a clogged radiator (both internally and externally), a failing water pump (look for leaks from the weep hole), a faulty radiator fan or sensor, or, in a worst-case scenario, a blown head gasket.
You’ve done the hard work, and now you have the knowledge and confidence to tackle one of the most critical components of your Renegade’s cooling system. A properly functioning thermostat means a healthier engine, better performance, and more peace of mind on the trail.
Keep your Renegade running cool, ride hard, and stay safe out there!
- 2007 Honda Accord Serpentine Belt Diagram – Your Ultimate DIY Guide - December 18, 2025
- Honda Accord Coolant Leak – Your Ultimate DIY Diagnosis & Repair Guide - December 18, 2025
- 2018 Honda Accord Tire Size – The Ultimate Guide To Perfect Fit, - December 18, 2025