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Posted on Jan 06, 2010
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What can keep causing Check engine code P0128

What can cause a Check engine code P0128 to come back after it was fixed once. Coolant sensor and thermostat were replaced and no check engine light for about 2 weeks.

  • Stoney Burke Jun 27, 2013

    I have an 01 pontiac grandam it will run fine and idle fine for awhile then it will start to stumble and the rpm gauge jumps around and if you turn the a/c on when this is happening it will stall.

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Jonah Oneal

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  • Kia Master 14,092 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 06, 2010
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CODE P0128- THERMOSTAT MALFUNCTION. POSSIBLE CAUSES 1. ECT SENSOR IS OUT OF CALIBRATION. 2. CHECK THE OPERATION OF THE THERMOSTAT IT MAY BE STUCK OPEN.3.INSPECT FOR LOW COOLANT LEVEL OR FOR AN INCORRECT COOLANT MIXTURE.

  • Anonymous Mar 04, 2013

    thanks for the information it helped. the third one was the problem

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  • Master 962 Answers
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P0128 Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature.)
Meaning the regulating temperature is higher than the themostat cooling temperature . you may have to replace the Coolant sensor again. or maybe both. Sorry !

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  • Posted on Oct 05, 2014
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I'd check and clean all the grounds in the engine compartment. check the thermostat. make sure you don't have a coolant leak the sensor reads when it is immersed in coolant it won't read steam.

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I have a 2008 Hyundai Accent. My timing belt broke going down the interstate, and I had that fixed, which included a new head, thermostat and sensor, water pump, and new drive belts. Now I keep getti

Here is what I found on P0128 code:
- Leaking or stuck open thermostat
- Low engine coolant level
- Insufficient warm up time
- Faulty engine coolant temperature sensor
- Engine coolant temperature sensor harness is open or shorted
- Engine coolant temperature sensor circuit poor electrical connection
When is the code detected?
The engine coolant temperature does not reach to specified temperature even though the engine has run long enough.
P0128 Hyundai Description
Coolant thermostat (coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature). Indicates that the thermostat monitor has not achieved the required engine operating temperature within a specified amount of time after starting the engine.
I WOULD TAKE IT TO A DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP, ONE THAT HAS YOUNG MECHANICS THAT UNDERSTAND TROUBLESHOOTING CODES AND SEARCHING YOUR CAR COMPUTER FOR SOFT AND HARD CODES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THIS CODE. YOUR COMPUTER SOMETIMES KEEPS A HISTORY OF CODES.
GOOD LUCK
Read more: http://engine-codes.com/p0128_hyundai.html#ixzz3JpRiZ9eN
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P0128 (and P0116) on 2006 GMC Sierra v-8, 5.3L, 4x4. Originally getting low temp readings on guage. After replacing the thermostat, the problem seemed to be fixed. A few days later, I was getting my...

P0116 - Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Circuit Range/Performance Problem
The ECT (Engine coolant temperature) sensor is a thermistor which changes resistance based on temperature of the coolant in contact with it. The ECT sensor will be located in the block or coolant passage. Usually it is a two wire sensor. One wire is a 5 Volt supply from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) to the ECT. The other is a ground to the ECT.

As the temperature of the coolant changes the resistance on the signal wire changes accordingly. The PCM monitors the reading and determines coolant temperature in order to perform essential engine fuel management. When engine coolant is low, sensor resistance is high. The PCM will see a high signal voltage (low temperature). When coolant is warm, the sensor's resistance is low and the PCM will see a high temperature. The PCM expects to see slow resistance changes on the ECT signal circuit. If it sees a quick change in voltage that isn't consistent with an engine warming up, this P0116 code will set. Or if it sees a lack of change in ECT signal, this code may set.

Symptoms: There may be no noticeable symptoms if the problem is very intermittent, however the following may occur:
MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illumination
Poor drivability
Black smoke at tailpipe
Poor fuel economy
May not idle
May exhibit stalling or misfires

Causes: Potential causes of the P0116 code include:
Missing or stuck-open thermostat
Bad ECT sensor
Short or open on signal wire
Short or open on ground wire
Poor connections in wiring

Possible Solutions: If there are any other ECT sensor codes, diagnose them first.
Using a scan tool, check the ECT reading. On a cold engine, it should match the IAT reading or should be equal to ambient (outside) temperature reading. If it does match the IAT or ambient temp, check the freeze frame data on your scan tool (if equipped). The saved data should tell you what the ECT reading was when the fault occurred.

a) If the saved info indicates that the engine coolant reading was at the coldest exreme (around -30 deg. F) then that's a good indication the ECT resistance was intermittently high (unless you live in Anchorage!) Check for an open in the ECT sensor ground and signal circuits and repair as necessary. If they appear okay, warm the engine up while monitoring the ECT for any intermittent jumps high or low. If there are replace the ECT.

b) If the saved info indicates that the engine coolant reading was at the warmest exreme (around 250+ deg.F) then that's a good indication the ECT resistance was intermittently low. Check for a short to ground on the signal circuit and repair as necessary. If it appears okay, warm the engine up while monitoring the ECT for any intermittent jumps high or low. If there are replace the ECT.

Other ECT sensor and circuit related DTCs: P0115, P0117, P0118, P0119, P0125, P0128
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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



These codes are telling you that the engine temperature is not sufficient. This can be caused by a faulty coolant sensor,air in the cooling system,or a faulty computer.
The engine should run at 190 F & higher when warmed up. Scan the computer system to view engine temperature.

Keep us updated.
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Po128 is the code. What's the problem

Well, I can't give you any specific information regarding your vehicle because you forgot to mention what kind of vehicle you have. (This is kinda important if you really want some help figuring out what is wrong with your car)

The "Generic OBD" of code P0128 is "Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature"

The most likely cause is a stuck-open thermostat, however, I have also seen defective Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensors also cause this code.
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Got codes from auto zone po128 &po506

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


P0506 - Idle Air Control (IAC) System RPM Lower Than Expected

This P0506 code is one that's sometimes triggered on vehicles that have electronic throttle control. That is, they don't have a regular throttle cable from the accelerator pedal to the engine. They rely on sensors and electronics to control the throttle. In this case, the P0506 DTC (diagnostic trouble code) is triggered when the PCM (powertrain control module) detects an engine idle speed that is lower than the desired (pre-programmed) RPM.

Potential Symptoms: Most likely the only thing you'll notice is the idle speed is lower than normal so it will likely be rougher. There are potentially other symptoms as well. Of course, when trouble codes are set, the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp, a.k.a. the check engine light) illuminates.

Causes: A P0506 DTC trouble code may be caused by one or more of the following:
A vacuum leak
An air restriction in the intake air path or exhuast
A faulty positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve
Damaged/failed/dirty throttle body
Internal engine problem
Failed PCM

Possible Solutions: This DTC is more of an informational code, so if there are any other codes set, diagnose them first. If there are no other codes, inspect for vacuum leaks, restrictions, and damage. If there are no symptoms other than the DTC itself, just clear the code and see whether it returns.


Check it, and keep us updated.
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Eror code: PO128 Code

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
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1answer

Error code po128

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 this answer).
36helpful
2answers

P0128 coolant temp below thermostat/regulating temp

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).
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I have a 05 chevy trailblazer, the check engine lite is on and a hand held analyzer indicated problem codes: PO410 $ PO128 any ideas? Wayne C

P0410

Definition
Secondary Air Injection System fault
Explanation
The air injection system is monitored for faults
Probable Causes
1) Circuit relay defective or fuse open
2) Check connector and wiring
3) AIR pump defective or hoses blocked


P0128
Fault Code Definition
  • Engine temperature has not increased and/or reached the correct level within a specified amount of time after engine startup
Common Problems That Trigger the P0128 Code
As for the po128 I would replace the thermostat first. That is the problem 99% of the time.

Good Luck
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1answer

Dtcdescriptionp0128andrepair

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

What does that mean?
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 a TSB such as this one. The ECM may need to be reprogrammed to correct the P0128 code


Hope helps (remember rated this).
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2004 Toyota 4Runner, Regarding The VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights

Check your switches for the VSC, some get bumped on (due to their location) and some get stuck in the "on"position.
Not finding what you are looking for?

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