Hi, I have an 02 automatic convertible. I bought a 180 degree thermostat from Ecklers to make my car run cooler. There was also supposed and electrical kit to kick on the fans at the !80 rather than the factory 220. They no longer make the kit. Is there another way to have the fans come on at 180 or am I better off going back to the higher temp? I am new to forum, any help is appreciated.
thanks, Mark

 

Also, the 180 degree thermostat, that was purchased from Ecklers, will make very little difference from the original factory 187 degree thermostat.

 

You wasted your money on the thermostat purchase. To lower the fan's operating range it must be done by re-programming the PCM with either a hand held tunner, tunning software, or a TECH 2. There are kits available than can be wired into the fan's wiring harness that will allow adjustability, but these are also a waste of money.
For daily driving, the OEM's set-up is optimum. If you track your vehicle, consider a larger radiator and or EOC (engine oil cooler).

 

Also, you can change the temp of your stock thermostat. Can you return the purchased items?

 

Thank you all for the input, it is appreciated
thanks,
Mark

 

You must re-adjust both fan turn on/turn off temps when making a thermo change -otherwise it won't run coller at all---
Best choice for a mild bolt on type car would be to get a "mail order " tune and they can set the fans for you as well as make a few engine performance upgrades--These cars are already tuned very well bone stock so there isn't much HP left on the tbale- but well worth the $$$---
I believe the STOCK thermo is a 195* and not 187
I see NO problem with a 180 themo and re-setting the fans
As a matter of fact I prefer the 160* thermo and only install them--The engine won't run that cold !! regardless being a 160 or 180 because of the way the cooling system is-- when the fans are set correctly it should run about 180 to 185 most the time and spike to about 200 on a hot day in town--
There are sevaral hidden advantages in keeping the eng. cooler- a cooler eng will make the underhood temps go way down and you won't get much "fasle IAT" timing deducts
Also all the underhood components last longer--the hoses-belts-pigtails wiring etc don't get super hot and constantly heat cycle to extreme temps
On an A4 the trans will run cooler as well beacyse the trans fuild is cooled by the radiator-cooler radiator= cooler trans----

 

2001-2004 stock thermostats are definitely 187 degrees.

The OP has a 2002.

 

Brain fade ---LOL Thks !

That tells you GM decided that running the engine COOLER works better--hence the change !!