Theendgamelv3

So I got a P0128 engine code and it seems to the the thermostat going by some research. I just got this error a couple of days ago. Should I be fine driving the car for a week or 2 before replacing the part? The mechanic said I could ruin the catalytic convertor, but I don't know if that is if I keep driving for months or just a few days.

donbrew

Welcome!

It will not drive right, a couple of days won't hurt.

If you have never held a socket driver before it is a 45 minute job.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...l-p0128-24493/

Oldblue

Welcome to the site, just a few days shouldn't hurt.
Please use the correct GM thermostat and Dexcool!

Here is a how to thread

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...l-p0128-24493/

Oldblue

Great minds type alike!

Lovemy9-32.0T

I wanted to thank all you on this site who posted information on this thread...

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...-24493/page15/

Through some research I found out that my vehicle 2006 Saab 9-3 is a "GM" vehicle, and I eventually ended up here at this site and found some very important information about the "cowpie" theromstat. I wish I had known about this situation the first time I replaced my theromostat with some "Autozone recommended OEM ( P.O.S.) " THANK YOU for recommending the ACDelco ( GM made ) 131-158 thermostat. I just bought one and installed it which was now the second time within a year I had to replace my thermostat. Hopefully this will now permanently solve the problem. I wanted to show you what I experienced. This first pic is my original oem thermostat that failed



Replaced the failed original thermostat with "oem" replacement from Autozone and within a year it failed causing P0116 error code and looked like this when I pulled it out



Thanks ALL for directing me to the actual correct thermostat. I am hoping it will now STAY fixed.

Oldblue

I can't say it enough! Get the right parts!! We've learned the hard way, and pass our experience on to save y'all time and money!
It amazes me that still people want to buy the Stant or the MotoRad T-Stat just to save a few bucks!
Glad our site could help out an Ecotec derivative owner!!

Lovemy9-32.0T

Yeah, I had no idea that I needed a very specific thermostat. I thought a thermostat is a thermostat. What is crazy is that alot of websites don't have the ACDelco 131-158 even listed as a part but instead have the 12T103D listed as the replacement. Even ACDelco has it that way. Only here on this site did I learned that other people have run into this problem and what the real solution was. I have now learned to do ALOT of research first before buying ANY parts for my car now even for something so generic as a thermostat ( who would have thought )

Oldblue

And don't get us started on Dexcool, DextronVI transmission fluid, adjusting the rear drum brakes to stop the front disc judder! These trucklets are quirky! But very cool!

Lovemy9-32.0T

Yeah, I know all about the Dexcool conversation. Oh my! That's one heck of a crazy topic on SaabCentral. Some people just don't get it! They might have to learn the very HARD way ( by the way if you wanted to know...my Saab 9-3 2.0T will ONLY ever get Dexcool) oh no..I've done it now

kuglerm212

Hi everyone I'm new to the forum. Today I'm changing out a bad thermostat because the engine light came on and the temperature gauge isn't working, got the PO128 code. My question is after the new thermostat is put in and housing cover is going back on does the cover need any sealant to keep from leaking? I see some say yes and some say no because the thermostat has rubber around it, and before putting the bolts in should lock-ease be applied to the threads? I have a 2006 HHR 2.4 with 332,000 miles and first replacement of thermostat ever
Thanks