My 2002 Chrysler Concorde 3.5 L (high output) w/ 65,000 miles starts to overheat after driving 45-1 hour. Temp gauge goes up to around 3/4 mark and starts flectuating a little up and down (mostly up) from there as I continue driving. I thinking its the thermostat. Previous said owner replaced thermostat a while ago and I can't remember, but he said he put a higher or lower temp thermostat in because his mechanic recommended. What do you recommend? It looks like a nightmare to replace. what is typical labor cost for replacement. Also the electric fans seem to working OK, I hear them working. Is this a problem with these motors? Please advise. Thank you. Mike P.

1. check the fuse for the fan motor make sure they operate replace if necessary
2. make sure the fans operate if not replace
3. check lower hose for restrictions/ wear/ swelling soft spots this indicates that the thermostat is suffering blockage, check top hose also for the same. soft spots normally occure when fluid is wasted on the hoses and likely to appear nears a swelling area. Pep Boys quote a price of $275. 00dollars but they didnt say whether parts are included.
4. Manufacture installed the proper stat from the factory stick with it when you cahenge and are notsure whether it was a hi /lo temp you change the specs and cause additional unforeseen problems it supposed to open and close at precise temps anythinf different could cause overheating and computer read the wrong information which will cause the computer to go into a limp mode .