Gates 33938S Engine Coolant Thermostat

Gates Premium Thermostat 33938S Overview

The Gates Premium Thermostat 33938S is a 180-degree engine coolant thermostat built for stable coolant control in a wide range of Hyundai and Kia applications. It uses stainless steel and copper construction with an OE-improved design to support consistent temperature regulation in daily driving conditions.

Compatible With 1993-2016 Hyundai and Kia applications, including Hyundai Elantra, Tucson, Sonata, Accent, Tiburon, Santa Fe Sport, and Kia Sportage, Optima, Sorento, Soul, Forte, Rio, and Spectra models. This part number, 33938S, is a direct-fit thermostat option for many 180-degree OE-temperature applications.

Key Features

• Premium thermostat design with OE-improved comparison rating
• Stainless steel and copper construction for corrosion resistance
• 180-degree start-to-open temperature for OE-style engine warm-up control
• Bottom by-pass design for listed applications
• Jiggle pin weep hole for air bleeding during cooling system service
• O-ring seal type for a secure thermostat-to-housing seal
• Upgraded spring for improved temperature stability under normal operation

Product Details

Gates Premium Thermostat line products are built for drivers who want a replacement thermostat with stronger material construction and more consistent thermal control than a basic service part. The 33938S uses heavy-gauge stainless steel construction with copper components and an upgraded spring to help maintain stable coolant flow as engine temperature changes. Its 180-degree opening point matches many OE-temperature cooling system setups used across Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Kia Optima applications.

This thermostat cross-references Motorad 335-180 and Febi-Bilstein 33938 for the same application. If you are replacing a thermostat on a Hyundai Sonata, Kia Sorento, or Kia Forte, verify the housing style and temperature specification before installation. Part number 33938S is also listed across multiple interchange references for broad application coverage.

Common Problems This Part Can Address

• Engine running too cool or taking too long to reach operating temperature
• Temperature fluctuation caused by a worn thermostat spring
• Corrosion-related thermostat housing wear
• Coolant flow issues from a thermostat that no longer opens at the correct temperature
• Air trapped in the cooling system after thermostat service

Installation Notes and Tips

Confirm the 180-degree temperature specification, bottom by-pass design, and seal style before installation. Inspect the thermostat housing, sealing surfaces, and coolant condition at the same time, and replace damaged O-rings or related cooling system components as needed. The jiggle pin weep hole should be oriented to help purge trapped air during refill and bleeding.

For fitment, this thermostat is listed for 2013-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, 2005-2016 Kia Sportage, 2005-2015 Hyundai Tucson, 2009-2015 Kia Optima, 2011-2015 Kia Sorento, 2009-2014 Hyundai Sonata, 2010-2014 Kia Soul, 2010-2013 Kia Forte, 2010-2013 Kia Forte Koup, 2012-2013 Kia Forte5, 2012 Dodge Attitude, 1996-2012 Hyundai Elantra, 2010-2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2001-2011 Hyundai Accent, 2006-2011 Kia Rio, 2006-2011 Kia Rio5, 2009-2010 Kia Magentis, 2004-2009 Kia Spectra, 2005-2009 Kia Spectra5, 2003-2008 Hyundai Tiburon, 1997-2001 Hyundai Tiburon, 1995-1999 Hyundai Accent, and 1993-1995 Hyundai Scoupe.

Quality Assurance

Gates designs Premium Thermostat parts with upgraded materials and OE-improved construction for dependable cooling system service. The 33938S is built to meet the temperature control needs of the listed Hyundai and Kia applications while supporting corrosion resistance and stable operation.