OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0128 GMC

Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0128 GM 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 GM code is to indicate a faulty thermostat. Similar codes: P0125 GM 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 OBD code P0128 GM
You will likely not notice any drivability problems other than the MIL illumination.

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0128 GM
A code P0128 GM 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 GM 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 GM code

Related Codes

P0115 GM P0116 GM P0117 GM P0118 GM P0119 GM P0125 GM