I have a check engine light and have read the code as P0128. I have ordered the parts for repair, but they won't be here for a few days. In the meantime, my wife needs to drive to Buffalo on Wednesday, which is about 400 miles round trip.

Would it be safe to drive this far before getting it fixed, or should we just rent a car for the day ?

Thanks for any input !

 

Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)

You should be OK. Keep an eye on engine temp just to be on the safe side. It's a very common code.

Curious, what parts did you order?

 

Also make her aware that there is a possibility that the car might idling at 2,000 RPM by itself.

 

lulz.
Yes, that too. No one likes panicked phone calls!

 

I ordered a thermostat and an ECT sensor. Figured it would be easier to just do both while I was in there.


Hahaha. As of now, it running normally...

 

Just let her know it might happen. This way she will not panic if it happens.

 

Had the same problem and drove for three weeks. Problem was a leaky thermostat gasket. Just make sure to change your oil right after you fix the problem. If you do not get the engine hot enough, which can happen with short trips with this code, you can develop emulsions in crankcase. Check inside dip stick tube and look for any milky buildup.

 

Thanks for the info. She made it to Buffalo and back with no problems. I will check the oil. New parts should be here soon.

 

I just replaced the t-stat and ECT sensor. Easy job. Less than 1 hour, with the right tools.

Now I need to add a little coolant. The manual says use Volvo coolant only and not to mix them. I have a gallon of BMW coolant in the basement...

Can I top it off with any coolant or should I wait and get the Volvo coolant ?

Thanks

 

As long as the coolant is ethylene glycol you should be fine. Many mechanics recommend a coolant flush at the same time but as long as it gets done periodically, then you're good.

 

My 2000 S40 only has 48000 miles on it and the coolant has never been changed... Volvo says its a lifetime coolant... Probably should change it, though, yes ?

Also, is there a shelf life for an open container of coolant? I have a partial gallon of coolant that is probably two years old...

 

If the coolant has never been replaced, then I recommend doing it at some point. The shelf life should exceed 2 years.