thermostat isn’t a 2 person job. you bought a stat for an NA car made before 2006 and jammed it in there

 

Old thread but where do you see that? He used the correct eared thermostat, compressed the spring and slotted it into place. No jamming needed.

 

Great thread and very useful information - thanks!

 

still the wrong thermostat. earlier cars use an eared thermostat that looks similar but can only be installed in a later housing with mickey mouse methods

if you use the right one it can be installed with your fingers