Parts for your 2016 Subaru Legacy-Thermostat

Understanding the Thermostat in the 2016 Subaru Legacy: Essential Info and Maintenance Tips

The 2016 Subaru Legacy is a popular mid-sized sedan known for its reliability, performance, and all-wheel drive capability. When it comes to the vehicle's cooling system, one critical component that plays a key role is the thermostat. Contrary to some modern vehicles that might use advanced cooling control systems or electronically managed thermostats, the 2016 Subaru Legacy employs a traditional mechanical thermostat as part of its engine cooling system.

The thermostat is a small but important device fitted between the engine and the radiator. Its main purpose is to regulate engine temperature by controlling the flow of coolant. This ensures the engine warms up quickly after starting and then maintains an optimal operating temperature for efficient performance and longevity.

For the 2016 Subaru Legacy, the thermostat is definitely relevant and is used as part of the cooling system. Subaru's design philosophy, especially in naturally aspirated and turbocharged boxer engines like the ones in this Legacy model, still relies on this tried-and-true method to balance heat management. The thermostat is usually located near the engine block or cylinder head, where it can effectively control coolant movement based on temperature.

Understanding the thermostat's role and paying attention to its health can really pay off in the long run. If a thermostat malfunctions, it can cause a range of issues from poor fuel economy and rough running to overheating, which might lead to costly repairs.

So, why is a thermostat necessary in the first place? When you start the Subaru Legacy on a cold morning, the engine oil and metal parts start cold and thick, which is not ideal for engine efficiency or emission control. The thermostat remains closed initially, preventing coolant flow to the radiator so heat builds up faster in the engine block and the oil warms up quickly. When the engine reaches the ideal temperature, typically around 88 to 95 degrees Celsius, the thermostat opens, allowing coolant to flow through the radiator to keep that temperature stable by dissipating excess heat.

Without a thermostat, the engine would take much longer to reach its optimal temperature, running cooler than it should, especially in colder climates. This leads to inefficient combustion, poorer fuel economy, and increased engine wear due to higher friction. Running too cool can also cause more condensation inside the engine, accelerating corrosion and sludge formation.

On the flip side, if the thermostat sticks in the closed position, the cooling system can't circulate coolant properly. This leads to overheating, which can cause head gasket failure, warped cylinder heads, or other serious engine damage. So the thermostat is really the guardian of the temperature balance, protecting the engine from temperature extremes.

When servicing the 2016 Subaru Legacy, the thermostat is a component to keep an eye on, especially if the car starts showing signs of cooling system troubles like overheating, fluctuating temperature gauge readings, heater problems inside the cabin, or poor warm-up performance. Thankfully, replacing or servicing the thermostat is a fairly straightforward job for a qualified mechanic. Often the mechanic will flush the cooling system and replace the thermostat as part of routine cooling system maintenance.

Maintenance tips for the thermostat include:

• Regularly checking engine temperature gauges during driving to detect unusual variations.
• Inspecting cooling system hoses and connections for leaks or blockages that could affect thermostat function.
• Replacing the coolant according to Subaru's recommended service intervals because old or contaminated coolant can affect thermostat performance and the entire cooling system.
• Having the thermostat tested or replaced if the engine takes too long to warm up, overheats, or shows temperature fluctuations.

Some Subaru Legacy owners opt for proactive thermostat replacement as part of timing belt service because the jobs overlap and it saves on labour costs. While the thermostat itself isn't expensive, labour can add up, so combining tasks is common practice.

One thing to note is that the 2016 Subaru Legacy uses a standard wax pellet mechanical thermostat rather than more modern electronically controlled versions, which means it doesn't require any electrical work or special programming when replaced. The process involves draining some coolant, removing the thermostat housing, swapping the thermostat, installing a new gasket or O-ring, and refilling with fresh coolant.

It's also important to ensure the correct thermostat temperature rating is used, as Subaru designs the engine cooling system around specific thermostat temperatures to optimise performance and emissions. Using the wrong thermostat can cause poor engine temperature control and fuel consumption issues.

Keeping the thermostat in good working order helps protect the engine, improve fuel economy, and enhance driving comfort on both hot summer days and chilly winter mornings.

So if you own a 2016 Subaru Legacy, don't overlook the humble thermostat. It's a small part with a big job, and a well-maintained thermostat will keep your Legacy running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.