How to save $350.00 + (Thermostat Replacement 2.4L - P0128)
Platinum Member
Joined: 04-09-2006
Posts: 7,043
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Long term usage would not be a good idea, as it likely is affecting gas mileage, as well as if the gauges are blanked out, how can you monitor the temperature in case of an overheat?
I drove mine for a few weeks till I did a re and re on the thermostat - no harm done, and I didn't monitor the gas mileage.
I'd get it changed at first convenience, and this time stick with the GM thermostat, which apparently has been redesigned to alleviate the problem.
A few parts have been redesigned by GM over the years - the thermostat, and the Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valves (3 versions so far) come to mind. The aftermarket companies may not keep up to the changes made by GM, so IMO you definitely take your chances with some aftermarket items.
I drove mine for a few weeks till I did a re and re on the thermostat - no harm done, and I didn't monitor the gas mileage.
I'd get it changed at first convenience, and this time stick with the GM thermostat, which apparently has been redesigned to alleviate the problem.
A few parts have been redesigned by GM over the years - the thermostat, and the Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valves (3 versions so far) come to mind. The aftermarket companies may not keep up to the changes made by GM, so IMO you definitely take your chances with some aftermarket items.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,484
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Hello guys & gals,
I used this thread back in July 2014 to replace the thermostat. About 8000 miles later getting the p0128 code. I picked the thermostat at Adv Auto Parts and it wasn't the ACDelco brand. I did check my coolant levels and seem fine. Anyone else have this issue?
-Also can I damage the car if I keep on driving it like this?
Thanks in advance.
I used this thread back in July 2014 to replace the thermostat. About 8000 miles later getting the p0128 code. I picked the thermostat at Adv Auto Parts and it wasn't the ACDelco brand. I did check my coolant levels and seem fine. Anyone else have this issue?
-Also can I damage the car if I keep on driving it like this?
Thanks in advance.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,988
From: Welland,Ont Canada
go with the ACDelco 131-158 , it's the newer one for the HHR 2.2 or 2.4 litre.
your P0128 code keeps tripping because the thermostat will not open with in the time frame parameters the ECM requires
your P0128 code keeps tripping because the thermostat will not open with in the time frame parameters the ECM requires
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,484
From: Fredericksburg,VA
I hope you don't need an emissions test soon. You will have to wait until all of the OBD monitors complete. Everything gets set to 0 when you clear a code.
P0128 would clear itself as soon as you warmed the car up.
P0128 would clear itself as soon as you warmed the car up.
Senior Member
Joined: 11-14-2006
Posts: 132
From: Memphis, Tn
...and another fat wad of cash saved. Thanks for this thread!
So the famous --- coolant reading brought me here. The problem was intermittent all while the engine was taking a bit longer to warm up. Once the digital readout would come back it would only get up to about 177 degrees.
I waited until a nice Saturday morning and I used an 18" extension that made it super easy. The hardest part was loosening the petkawk. For reference my mileage is at 119,000.
I used ramps because my ride height is too low to slip in a drain tank underneath. I think that allowed for more drainage as my system took over a gallon of coolant to fill.
I'll take $50 v.s. $350 any day if all I have to do is pull a couple bolts and fondle a petkawk.
I waited until a nice Saturday morning and I used an 18" extension that made it super easy. The hardest part was loosening the petkawk. For reference my mileage is at 119,000.
I used ramps because my ride height is too low to slip in a drain tank underneath. I think that allowed for more drainage as my system took over a gallon of coolant to fill.
I'll take $50 v.s. $350 any day if all I have to do is pull a couple bolts and fondle a petkawk.
