The 2013 Dodge Dart does have a thermostat as part of its cooling system, which regulates when coolant flows to the radiator to maintain the engine’s proper operating temperature. Yes—the thermostat is a standard component across the Dart’s engine lineup.
In this article, we’ll explain what the thermostat does in the Dart, where it sits in typical engine layouts, common signs of failure, and practical steps if you suspect a problem. The Dart’s cooling system uses a thermostat to control coolant flow, helping the engine warm up efficiently and avoid overheating.
Thermostat role in the Dart’s cooling system
The thermostat sits inside a housing connected to the engine’s coolant passages. When the engine is cold, the thermostat stays closed to let the engine warm up quickly. Once the coolant reaches its operating temperature, the thermostat opens to allow coolant to circulate through the radiator and maintain safe temperatures. In the Dart, this basic arrangement applies across its common engines—the 2.0L and 2.4L Tigershark engines, as well as the 1.4L MultiAir2 turbo variant—though the exact housing design can vary by engine and model year.
Engine options and thermostat placement
The thermostat in the Dart is typically located in or near the thermostat housing on the engine, usually where the upper radiator hose connects. Some variants may have the housing integrated with the water outlet.
- 2.0L Tigershark engine: thermostat housing is typically at the front of the engine, near the upper radiator hose, in a serviceable housing.
- 2.4L Tigershark engine: similar front-of-engine location, usually connected to the coolant outlet with a replaceable thermostat in a housing.
- 1.4L MultiAir2 turbo engine: thermostat located in the cooling water outlet region or housing near the front of the engine, with wiring and sensor integrated in the system.
Across these variants, the thermostat is a standard, replaceable component in the Dart’s cooling system and is commonly addressed as part of the thermostat housing during service.
Common thermostat failure symptoms
These are typical warning signs that the thermostat may be failing or stuck and could require attention:
- Engine overheating or appearing to run hot, especially in slow traffic or while idling.
- Heater issues—little to no heat in cabin when the engine should be warm.
- Coolant leaks or moisture around the thermostat housing or hoses.
- Erratic temperature gauge readings or sudden temperature swings while driving.
- Very long warm-up times or the engine staying cooler than normal after startup.
If any of these symptoms appear, it’s wise to inspect the cooling system, including the thermostat, gasket, and housing, to pinpoint the cause.
What to do if you suspect a thermostat problem
Here are practical steps to diagnose and address a possible thermostat issue in a 2013 Dodge Dart:
- Check the coolant level and condition; look for leaks around the thermostat housing and hoses.
- Inspect hoses for cracks, bulges, or stiffness that could indicate pressure loss or cooling system problems.
- With the engine warm, observe the radiator hose connected to the thermostat housing; if it stays cool, the thermostat may be stuck open.
- Consider a cooling system pressure test and thermostat replacement if signs point to a faulty thermostat or housing gasket.
- Replace the thermostat with the correct part for your engine variant (2.0L, 2.4L, or 1.4L Turbo) and ensure proper installation with a new gasket or O-ring as required.
If you’re unsure or uncomfortable performing cooling-system work, seek professional service to diagnose and replace the thermostat and related components safely.
Summary
In short, the 2013 Dodge Dart does have a thermostat, and it plays a critical role in warming the engine quickly and preventing overheating. The thermostat sits in a housing on the front of the engine, with placement varying slightly by engine (2.0L, 2.4L, or 1.4L turbo). Common failure signs include overheating, poor cabin heat, leaks, and erratic temperature readings. If you notice symptoms, inspect the thermostat and cooling-system components and consider replacement if necessary, ideally by a qualified technician.