thermostat problem?

alright, i live in wisconsin, and its really cold over here right now being winter and everything.... well, I park outside - and my car gets very cold. My temperature normally runs at 195 degrees in summer and regular weather. however, now in winter my car will not heat up past around 160..... even when im driving for like 30 minutes..... it just stays there. Also, sometimes at stoplights, it randomly reves up to about 2000 RPMS. I believe it may be my thermostat, if so, how much are these and can i replace it myself? Thank you.

thermostat, 7.95 or so.. depending, and its a breeze in the 2.2.. dont know about the 2.4

thermostat, 7.95 or so.. depending, and its a breeze in the 2.2.. dont know about the 2.4

But the thermostat rubber O-ring for my 96 Cav 2.2 is an extra $5. Replace the rubber O-ring too if your thermostat uses one!

Put some cardboard in front of your radiator to help with defrosting. But 160 will not harm the car. Good Luck.

Put some cardboard in front of your radiator to help with defrosting. But 160 will not harm the car. Good Luck.

what do you mean put cardboard in front of the radiator? put it there permenantly all winter? or just overnight? I park outside and every morning is a real hassle - the car never warms up and its a bitch to get into 2nd gear.....

also, how do i change the thermostat? also do i need to change the gasket too?

all winter.. it will make it like an insulator and keep heat from dissapating because of air.. thermostat is an easy swap.. take er out, put the new one in place.. yes you need a new gasket or a new rubber o-ring whatever your existing thermostat has

On the 2.4 Jack up the car as far as you can or put on a lift. there is 2 bolts right near the water pump. pull them out pull down on the pipe a little and remove old and put new one in with gasket and tighten down. it is a very easy job with right tools.