Hello, all.

My check engine light is coming on, so I had the code read (PO128).I understand from all the past posts that I am probably going to need a new thermostat as well as a coolant temperature sensor.

I am approx. 300 miles from home and would rather take the car to my regular mechanic when I get back. Do you think it is safe to drive the car that far? We checked the coolant and it was low (we added coolant and it stayed in there). Also, the temperature gauge reads fine, but I understand that if the sensor is bad, this might be a false reading.

Would you try to get it fixed here, or do you think it'd be okay to drive? I don't want to break down OR harm the car.

Thanks very much!

 

If the car doesn't seem to be overheating it might be fine.
I have seen many people drive them with the codes for a while.
You might just hear the cooling fan under the hood stay on most of the time.

Watch carefully and you should be fine.

 

Thanks for answering, tech.

One thing we have noticed is that the heater is sometimes erratic. It won't heat the interior of the car until weturn it to a high setting such as80. Do you think this could be related?

 

If the thermostat is bad it will do that. Most likely that is the problem.

If you have some hands on at all then you might be able to replace it your self before heading home.
I know you would have to buy tools there but maybe $100.00 for tools and parts might save you greif on the way home.

As long as they have the thermostat and the rubber o-ring you would nee to buy a 3/8's Ratchet and 40MM socket I believe it is(Sorry I know my socket and just grab out of the draw) You might also have to buy a small extension.

 

Thanks again, Tech. I appreciate your quick answers.

 

you can change the thermostat by yourself, go to s40concepts.net and check the how to forum...its in there....good luck.

 

Thanks for the info, mcguij1; however, there is NO WAY I'd try to do this myself (I know nothing about cars).

I have noticed also that the car doesn't start on the first turn of the ignition, the way it used to. If it's cold (in the morning), it will start right away, but later on in the day, it takes two tries. Could this thermostat/sensor issue be related to this?

 

Maybe that could be related.

 

Longer than normal cranking on my 2001 was a bad fuel pressure regulator. Fix the t-stat first then come back if it does not get better. It's an easy fix for about $90.

 

Thanks, Tech & Hudini!