Erratic temperature readings in the instrument cluster will usually cause the thermostat housing to fail. If this happens, the wrong amount of coolant may be sent to the engine which in turn will cause the thermostat housing liquid to either underperform or over-perform.
Mainly age and corrosion are the culprits. Failure of parts falls closely in line with the aforementioned reasons. But, WHAT causes this? Heat, lack of coolant in the mix/ratio of coolant vs water and possibly a defective manufacture of thermostat.
As with any system, eventually, your thermostat will become outdated. Modern home thermostats tend to have about a 10-year lifespan but are usually replaced sooner due to innovations in the market.
Technically, yes, but you really shouldn't. With out a functioning thermostat the coolant can't circulate so your car will quickly overheat. It does depend on the make and model but even overheating for a short time can have pretty devastating effects on an engine.
The average cost for a Thermostat Housing Replacement is between $506 and $550. Labor costs are estimated between $134 and $169 while parts are priced between $373 and $382.
On average, most thermostats last about 10 years, depending on the model, usage, and proper maintenance. However, many people decide to replace their unit sooner to take advantage of new energy-saving technologies.
Coolant will also leak out of the system once the housing is cracked, warped, or damaged in any way. A failed or worn seal may also cause a similar issue. Your engine may overheat if your thermostat housing keeps on leaking, so it's best to address this issue right away.
Over time, dust, dirt, and lint can find their way into the thermostat housing and block the sensors. To fix this problem, remove the cover and clean the parts inside using a soft-bristled brush.
Although it may be possible to drive short distances with code P0128 set, you should get the issue fixed by a professional right away. Doing so will help ensure your vehicle keeps running at its best while also helping to prevent any additional damage.
Replacing an analog or digital thermostat is one of those DIY projects you can do yourself. Analog thermostats are easier to install but digital ones offer more advanced features, such as programmable settings.
Installation typically takes about 1 hour.
Thermostat replacement normally involves the removal of other parts, such as throttle housing and throttle body, as well as draining and refilling the cooling system, but should take a home mechanic around a couple of hours or so.
The most obvious sign is your engine overheating. If the thermostat is stuck closed, the coolant can't circulate, causing the engine temperature to rise. A stuck thermostat can cause the coolant to boil over, leading to leaks around the thermostat housing or other parts of the cooling system.
The gasket on the thermostat is the seal. Make sure you clean the groove that it rests in real good, upper and lower. But a thin bead of red rtv around the outside edge of the gasket before putting the neck back on will do the trick.
Power problems are one of the most common reasons for thermostat faults. If you have a battery-powered system, the fix could be as easy as replacing the batteries. If you have a wired system, check your main electrical panel to see if a switch has tripped.
While there is a small chance that there is an issue with the running temperature of your engine, by far the most common issue with trouble code P0128 is a faulty thermostat. The exact location of the thermostat and issues related to a damaged thermostat may vary depending on your vehicle.
One of the lesser-known issues is the polar opposite of overheating. Overcooling happens when the engine does not reach the right temperature for its normal function. In this scenario, the thermostat is stuck open and overflows the radiator with coolant, drastically reducing the engine life cycle.
Erratic temperature readings in the instrument cluster will usually cause the thermostat housing to fail. If this happens, the wrong amount of coolant may be sent to the engine which in turn will cause the thermostat housing liquid to either underperform or over-perform.
If you drive with a bad thermostat, your car could overheat, causing severe and expensive engine damage. And while it's technically possible to drive without a thermostat, we don't recommend it. Your car will not reach an acceptable operating temperature, resulting in higher fuel consumption and excessive engine wear.
A car thermostat is designed to last a long time – typically around 100,000 miles or 10 years. However, various factors can impact its lifespan. First, driving conditions play a role. If you regularly drive in hot weather or stop-and-go traffic, your thermostat may suffer additional stress.
The average cost of a new thermostat, including installation, ranges in price from $50 to $500 or more based on several factors including the type of thermostat, labor costs, the complexity of the installation, and more.