Hi all. I'm new to posting on this forum, but have lurked here for a while to get help with other issues.

I have a 2001 XJ sport 4.0, and right now I am having a problem with the heat. It just won't heat up past about 130 on the dash gauge. I have the original thermostat in it. It takes a long time to heat up, and then only will go to about the aforementioned 130 degrees. I had it up on some ramps to get underneath it for some other work, and at one point I turned it on and let it run for a bit. While on the ramps, it heated up to almost normal operating temp, but as soon as I backed it off the ramps and took it around the block, the temp went back down.

This is getting to be a problem, because the windows won't stay clear in the cold weather. I suppose I could stop breathing.

My level of skill: I had never done much of my own wrenching (just regular maintenance) until last year when I started restoring and repairing motorcycles, and since then have tried to do most of my own auto work. I'm still pretty much a newbie though, not a lot of know-how. I'm out of work right now, so I have plenty of time and little money, so I'm willing to tackle most anything, but I do know my limits and when to just take it to the shop.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

replace the stat. if its original. plus there like 7 bucks lol

 

Yeah try first replacing the t-stat. 7 bucks plus a carton of antifreeze if you don't want to reuse the stuff that drains out. It's super easy too, you can do it yourself. The t-stat housing is at the front of the engine where the hose goes in, secured with two bolts. Remember to get a gasket as well or just use rtv that goes to high temps.

 

replace T-stat



this is the original t stat