Good Question for GM

[AZ-Z71]

So I just called the dealer to find out the cost of the Thermostat. According to Parts Zone it looked to be an assembly so I wanted to double check. Yup, it is an assembly, the housing, o-ring, clip retainer and thurmostat. $20 at the dealer. (BY the way I was going to buy it from parts direct, which will save me $8 but the shipping is $7.95 - go figure)

 

Why can't I just buy the thermostat? Is it the fact that you unbolt the two screws, this whole thing falls out and you re-bolt it together in about 3 seconds? Are they afraid the techs will but the thermostat in backwards so they sell it as an assembly? You should be able to buy just the $4 thermostat.

 

I noticed this with other things as well. On my GF's car her window cable broke. Could you just get a new $2 piece of cable? No you have to buy the whole assemble, track, guides, cable.

 

I know they must do this toi save them install time at the shop. No other reason for it. Being a DIY'er I have more time than money.

[AZ-Z71]

For anyone not following in my other post, I bought the thermostat. It is one composite piece. It does not look like the thermostat can be removed from the housing and even if you could can't find anyone that is selling just the thermostat. The parts guy actually thought that there was no thermostat at all. probably looking from the exploded pictures the normal looking thermostat does not appear. He was so amazed by it he actually open the box to make sure of what I was getting. His final comment was, "looks like Autozone won't be carrying this one."

[Jersey Tahoe LT]

Interesting. That is an odd ball thing to do. You probably hit the nail on the head. But maybe they also had trouble with it sealing so they made it idiot proof and make the whole thing be replaced. Or maybe to make more money? Who knows. At least it is only $20

 

Later,

Brandon