P0128 OBD Code Definition:
P0128 Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature
P0128 OBD Code Description:
OBD Code P0128
Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)
What’s mean?
OBD2 Code P0128 Definition:
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
Possible sumptoms of P0128
You will likely not notice any drivability problems other than the MIL illumination.
Possible Causes
Possible causes of P0128
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 vehicle, check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), as the ECM may need to be reprogrammed to correct the P0128 code
OBD-II Codes
P0115 P0116 P0117 P0118 P0119 P0125