Well, with 46,XXX miles on the clock, my thermostat decided to stick open today so my car wouldn't warm up. Went to NAPA and picked one up, didn't fit right. No other parts place in my area stocked them, and I didn't want to have them order it since I'm not certain what they have listed in their catalog will really fit. So I have two questions for you guys:

1. What temperature thermostat is specified for a 2004 ES? Some said 180, some 190.

2. Can anyone confirm proper fitment for a certain brand or part # replacement thermostat?

If anyone's run into this before, I'd really appreciate your advice.

 

Could always go for one from a dealership.

 

ya, get the thermostat from the dealership..
the one recommended from napa doesn't fit the lancer.. been there done that... it's actually still sitting in my garage waiting to be returned

 

What did it cost you?

 

it about $25-30.. little more than napa's part, but it actually fit.. don't remember exactly as it was last summer when I replaced it. i would also suggest doing a coolant flush while you are in there

 

Wow that's expensive. Anyway thanks for the help, it sucks that the aftermarket doesn't make a part that works! I'll do the coolant while I'm in there, I've done it yearly since I had the car and it's coming up on a year now.

 

Dealer wanted $29 and 4 days to get it. I told them forget it. Went home and ordered it online with two day shipping for less money (still OEM part).

Using aftermarket parts on these cars is truly a hit or miss venture.