NOT SHOWING TEMP ON GAUGE,ENGINE LIGHT IS ON,FANS RUN CONSANT,CODE P0128,ECT SENSOR,PONTIAC MONTANA 2001

threw a po128 ??? Doesn't throw code's ,it stores code's . P0128 code does not tell you to replace the sensor either . With every code comes a diagnostic test procedure listed in a factory info. manual .
DTC P0128: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature
The purpose of this diagnostic is to analyze the performance of the thermostat, by using the ECT sensor to determine if the engine coolant will increase at the correct rate, and also meet the calibrated target temperatures under various operating conditions. The ECM uses the start-up ECT and the start-up intake air temperature (IAT) to begin the diagnostic calculation. The air flow into the engine is accumulated, and vehicle speed, distance, and engine run time are also factored in to determine if the ECT does increase normally and reach the calibrated target temperatures.
Diagnostic Aids
?€¢
DTC P0128 occurring with insufficient vehicle interior heating is an indication of improper thermostat operation.

?€¢
Corrosion in the ECT sensor terminals or the ECT harness connector results in a greater voltage on the ECT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a colder ECT.

?€¢
A slight to moderate resistance in the ECT sensor signal circuit or low reference circuit will affect this diagnostic. This condition results in a greater voltage on the ECT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a colder ECT.

Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition OFF, inspect the cooling system surge tank for the proper coolant level. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing and Cooling System Draining and Filling .
2. Ignition OFF for 8 hours or greater.
3. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool ECT Sensor and IAT Sensor parameters. The ECT, IAT and ambient temperatures should be within 15?°C (27?°F) of each other.
Important: A critical analysis of the operation of the thermostat is necessary to properly diagnose this DTC.

4. Verify the proper heat range, and the operation of the thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis .
5. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ECT sensor.
2. Ignition OFF for 90 seconds, test for less than 5 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
?‡'
If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECT Sensor parameter is colder than -39?°C (-38?°F).
?‡'
If warmer than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool ECT Sensor parameter is warmer than 149?°C (300?°F).
?‡'
If colder than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

5. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the ECT sensor.

A pontiac montana ? There are three relay's that control your cooling fans ! unplug what sensor ? The engine coolant temp. sensor is an input to the PCM - engine computer . When temp. reaches 213 degrees the PCM energizes the relays , depending on low or high speed . Using a scan tool to see if the PCM will turn on the fans an checking engine coolant temp.data is the right way to diagnose this . Relay Driven Dual Cooling Fan Diagnostics

A code P0128 may mean that one or more of the following has happened: Low engine coolant level Leaking or stuck open thermostat Faulty cooling fan (running too much) Faulty coolant temperature (ECT) sensor Faulty intake air temperature (IAT) sensor Possible Solutions Past experience indicates that the most likely solution is to replace the thermostat. However here are some suggestions on troubleshooting and repairing a P0128 OBD-II code: Verify coolant strength & level Verify proper cooling fan operation (check if it's running more than it should). Replace if necessary. Verify proper engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor operation, replace if necessary. Verify proper intake air temperature (IAT) sensor operation, replace if necessary. If the above items check out good, replace the thermostat

This means that the engine's PCM detected that the engine has not reached the required temperature level within a specified amount of time after starting the engine. The intent of the P0128 code is to indicate a faulty thermostat. Similar codes: P0125
In determining the engine did not reach a "normal" temperature, it takes into account the length of time the vehicle has been running, the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor reading, the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor reading, and the speed of the vehicle.
Symptoms You will likely not notice any drivability problems other than the MIL illumination.
Causes A code P0128 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

• Low engine coolant level
• Leaking or stuck open thermostat
• Faulty cooling fan (running too much)
• Faulty coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
• Faulty intake air temperature (IAT) sensor

Possible Solutions Past experience indicates that the most likely solution is to replace the thermostat. However here are some suggestions on troubleshooting and repairing a P0128 OBD-II code:

• Verify coolant strength & level
• Verify proper cooling fan operation (check if it's running more than it should). Replace if necessary.
• Verify proper engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor operation, replace if necessary.
• Verify proper intake air temperature (IAT) sensor operation, replace if necessary.
• If the above items check out good, replace the thermostat
• If Nissan vehicle, check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), as the ECM may need to be reprogrammed to correct the P0128 code

Other ECT sensor and circuit related DTCs: P0115, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0119, P0125

This means that the engine's PCM detected that the engine has not reached the required temperature level within a specified amount of time after starting the engine. The intent of the P0128 code is to indicate a faulty thermostat. Similar codes: P0125

In determining the engine did not reach a "normal" temperature, it takes into account the length of time the vehicle has been running, the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor reading, the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor reading, and the speed of the vehicle.

A code P0128 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

• Low engine coolant level
• Leaking or stuck open thermostat
• Faulty cooling fan (running too much)
• Faulty coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
• Faulty intake air temperature (IAT) sensor

Past experience indicates that the most likely solution is to replace the thermostat. However here are some suggestions on troubleshooting and repairing a P0128 OBD-II code:

• Verify coolant strength & level
• Verify proper cooling fan operation (check if it's running more than it should). Replace if necessary.
• Verify proper engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor operation, replace if necessary.
• Verify proper intake air temperature (IAT) sensor operation, replace if necessary.
• If the above items check out good, replace the thermostat

REFERENCE: http://www.obd-codes.com/p0128

I hope this helps a bit!

I WOULD REPLACE SENSOR.

P0128 - Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)

This means that the engine's PCM detected that the engine has not reached the required temperature level within a specified amount of time after starting the engine. The intent of the P0128 code is to indicate a faulty thermostat. Similar codes: P0125

In determining the engine did not reach a "normal" temperature, it takes into account the length of time the vehicle has been running, the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor reading, the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor reading, and the speed of the vehicle.

Symptoms: You will likely not notice any drivability problems other than the MIL illumination.

Causes: A code P0128 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
* Low engine coolant level
* Leaking or stuck open thermostat
* Faulty cooling fan (running too much)
* Faulty coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
* Faulty intake air temperature (IAT) sensor

Possible Solutions: Past experience indicates that the most likely solution is to replace the thermostat. However here are some suggestions on troubleshooting and repairing a P0128 OBD-II code:
* Verify coolant strength & level
* Verify proper cooling fan operation (check if it's running more than it should). Replace if necessary.
* Verify proper engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor operation, replace if necessary.
* Verify proper intake air temperature (IAT) sensor operation, replace if necessary.
* If the above items check out good, replace the thermostat
* If Nissan vehicle, check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), as the ECM may need to be reprogrammed to correct the P0128 code

Hope helps (remember to rate and comment this).

no it isn't !
low coolant
defective thermostat
defective cooling fan ( staying on too long)
faulty ECT sensor and/or IAT sensor

Check the heat gauge sending unit. Or "engine coolant temperature sensor" as they call them these days. ECT. It should be somewhere near your thermostat housing. I hope that's the problem. Good luck.

u might just have a bad thermostat