2026-10-08 · 5 min read
Mitsubishi Galant Fortis Thermostat Malaysia
The thermostat regulates engine operating temperature on the Galant Fortis — a thermostat that is stuck open results in the engine never reaching normal operating temperature (reducing efficiency and increasing wear), while one stuck closed causes overheating. On a high-mileage unit, the thermostat is a relatively low-cost item to proactively replace during cooling system service. If your temperature gauge takes unusually long to rise or rarely reaches the midpoint, suspect the thermostat.
The thermostat is a small but critical valve that controls coolant flow between the engine and radiator. A stuck-open thermostat causes the engine to run cold (poor fuel economy, sluggish heater), while a stuck-closed thermostat causes rapid overheating — a serious risk in Malaysian traffic.
Symptoms of a faulty thermostat
- Temperature gauge sitting lower than normal even after full warm-up (stuck open)
- Temperature gauge rising quickly toward red zone, especially in slow traffic (stuck closed)
- Engine takes unusually long to reach operating temperature
- Poor fuel economy — engine running cold burns more fuel
Replacement: simple and affordable
The thermostat itself is an inexpensive part (RM 30–150 for most cars). However, on some European models the thermostat is integrated into the housing or requires significant disassembly — labour can be RM 200–500 on top of the part.
Always replace the thermostat together with a coolant flush. Running old, degraded coolant through a new thermostat accelerates corrosion.