the most noticeable issues occur when the thermostat gets stuck in either the open or closed position. a malfunction can result in a trouble code, generated by the engine's computer, which can turn on your check engine light.Coolant Leaks: If the thermostat is stuck closed, then coolant may build up and leak, often near the thermostat. This can cause other leaks to develop in coolant hoses. Check Engine Light: The check engine light should always be taken seriously and never ignored.
What are the symptoms of a stuck thermostat in a car?
Overheating (or overcooling) With that said, overheating is the most common symptom of a bad or a failing thermostat. This happens because a thermostat can get stuck as it ages. If it's stuck in the closed position, it won't let the coolant reach the radiator and the engine will overheat.
Will a stuck open thermostat throw a code?
A stuck open thermostat can cause the engine to take too long to warm up, not reach proper operating temperature at all, possibly run rich, and MAYBE set that fault code. The engine electronics are programmed to see the engine operating in a specific temperature range.
What happens when the thermostat get stuck?
If the thermostat becomes stuck in the closed position, the circulation of the coolant is blocked so the coolant cannot get to the radiator to be cooled which causes the engine to overheat.
Will a stuck open thermostat throw a code?
A stuck open thermostat can cause the engine to take too long to warm up, not reach proper operating temperature at all, possibly run rich, and MAYBE set that fault code. The engine electronics are programmed to see the engine operating in a specific temperature range.
How can I tell if my thermostat is stuck open?
Thermostat stuck open: When the thermostat is stuck open, the engine temperature drops below normal when driving, especially on the highway in cold weather. A stuck-open thermostat can also cause lack of heat from the heating system. The Check Engine light may come on too.
How do you check if a thermostat is working?
Check the screen: Check the screen of the thermostat and make sure that it is lighted. A blank or unlighted screen could indicate a thermostat failure. Check the batteries: Many modern thermostats rely on battery power to operate. If the screen is blank or unlighted, a battery change could solve the problem.
Is it OK to drive with P0128 code?
Is it safe to drive with the P0128 code? The code will illuminate the check engine light, but you can still drive your car. It will not cause any hindrance or sudden shutting down of the vehicle. The only problem you'll notice is the temperature gauge not reaching the optimal levels.
Do you have to drain coolant to replace thermostat?
With a normal top-mounted thermostat you need drain only part of the cooling system . Do not drain it while the engine is hot — you may be scalded. Wait for the engine to cool. Drain the coolant from the radiator tap, or from the bottom hose, until it is below the level of the thermostat housing.
Can you drive with a stuck thermostat?
Can I Still Drive with a Bad Thermostat? The easy answer to this question is no. While your car may be physically able to move and get you from Point A to Point B, you will want to refrain from operating your vehicle. This can lead to more parts of your vehicle being damaged, especially if the engine is overheating.
Can a stuck thermostat cause coolant loss?
4. Coolant Leaks Around Thermostat Housing or Under Vehicle. Another indication may be leaking coolant, which can occur when the thermostat does not allow coolant to flow when stuck in the closed position. This can be noticeable in a variety of locations, but most commonly around the thermostat housing.
At what temperature should a car thermostat open?
The thermostat is a gatekeeper. It controls the flow. Thermostats are rated on the temperature at which they begin to open and allow coolant to flow through. This opening temperature is usually 195 degrees Fahrenheit on cars.
Will a stuck open thermostat throw a code?
A stuck open thermostat can cause the engine to take too long to warm up, not reach proper operating temperature at all, possibly run rich, and MAYBE set that fault code. The engine electronics are programmed to see the engine operating in a specific temperature range.
Can you drive a car with a faulty thermostat?
Can I Still Drive with a Bad Thermostat? The easy answer to this question is no. While your car may be physically able to move and get you from Point A to Point B, you will want to refrain from operating your vehicle. This can lead to more parts of your vehicle being damaged, especially if the engine is overheating.
How do I test my car thermostat?
Start your car's engine and allow it to idle. Look through the radiator filler neck to see if the coolant flows. At this time, it should not be flowing as your car has not reached the operating temperature to cause the thermostat to open. If you find the coolant is flowing, it means the thermostat valve is open.
How serious is P0128 code?
How serious is the P0128 code? P0128 is not a very serious code. However, if not repaired and the vehicle is used over a long period of time, there is a small chance that water contamination of the oil could cause deterioration and engine damage.
How much does it cost to fix P0128?
How much will it cost to fix? Running a diagnostic for a P0128 will cost around one hour of labor, which may run you between $75 and $150. If you need to replace the thermostat, the total cost for parts and labor will be around $470 to $505.
How much is it to fix a thermostat in a car?
How much is a thermostat replacement?
How long does it take to change a thermostat in a car?
An average thermostat replacement takes around 1 hour, with some taking as little as 30 minutes. More problematic replacements can take a little longer where there are issues accessing an awkwardly positioned part or if it's become seriously stuck in place.
Where does coolant go when thermostat is closed?
In other engines, there is a cast in passage built into the water pump or front housing. In any case, when the thermostat is closed, coolant is directed to this bypass and channeled back to the water pump, which sends the coolant back into the engine without being cooled by the radiator.
Will a stuck open thermostat throw a code?
A stuck open thermostat can cause the engine to take too long to warm up, not reach proper operating temperature at all, possibly run rich, and MAYBE set that fault code. The engine electronics are programmed to see the engine operating in a specific temperature range.
How often should a car thermostat be replaced?
However, most car experts recommend car thermostat replacement after 10 years. However, this is an optimistic number. Thermostats are more likely to stop working much earlier than a decade. Some factors that induce an early thermostat failure include harsh weather, rough driving, bad engine or thermostat parts.
Can low coolant cause P0128?
A faulty engine coolant temperature sensor or one of the wirings connected to it can cause the P0128 code. The most common causes of P0128 include: Low coolant level (an air pocket trapped at the engine coolant sensor) The engine coolant thermostat is stuck in an open position or is opening too soon.
Can cold weather cause P0128 code?
The code P0128 - Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature means that the engine does not reach expected temperature after running for sufficient time, or in other words, it takes too long to warm up. Often this code causes the Check Engine light to come on and off in cold temperatures.
How do I fix the code P0128 on my Jeep?
STEP 4: REMOVE AND INSPECT THERMOSTAT. The most common cause for P0128 is the engine coolant thermostat is stuck open. A simple way to diagnose this is to feel the radiator hose and monitor how hot the temperature of the coolant is when it starts flowing through the radiator hose.
How do I know if my thermostat is stuck closed?
In modern cars, the operation of the thermostat is monitored by the engine computer (PCM). In most cases, if a thermostat is stuck closed or open, the Check Engine light would come on. Most common Check Engine light codes related to a thermostat are P0128 and P0126.
How do you know if your car thermostat is too hot?
If the engine temperature is in the red section of the gauge and the coolant doesn’t flow into the radiator, then the thermostat may be the cause of your problem. The temperature that your engine overheats will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, though most engines overheat above 220 °F (104 °C).
What happens when a thermostat goes bad?
A bad thermostat will not allow adequate coolant flow when required, resulting in engine overheat or lowers your engine temperature if it stays at a stuck open position, affecting your engine lubricating force.
Can a stuck thermostat cause an engine to run rich?
A stuck open thermostat can cause the engine to take too long to warm up, not reach proper operating temperature at all, possibly run rich, and MAYBE set that fault code. The engine electronics are programmed to see the engine operating in a specific temperature range.
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