How Long Can You Drive With A P0128 Code? Need to Know

How long can you drive with a p0128 code? It is a common question of many drivers and car owners. The p0128 engine code is a term that is mainly known as coolant thermostat code. We will discuss in this article why this occurs in your car engine and what causes it.

So, how long can I drive with a p0128 code? The engine code p0128 should not be a concerning point if your vehicle engine maintains the optimum temperature of approximately 160 degrees Fahrenheit. So, you can drive your car with diagnostic code p0128 if the engine always stays at the right temperature.

What Is Error Code P0128?

When your engine has the trouble code p0128 in OBD2 Scanner, your vehicle is not running at the right temperature. Thus, engine coolant temperature is below thermostat regulating temperature. It indicates the problem with vehicle’s coolant thermostat.

Though excessive hot engines are not suitable for any vehicle, a standard temperature is necessary to operate car efficiently.

Your engine either takes more time to warm up or not being hot enough. If this continues, you can't achieve fuel efficiency. In addition, it may cause emission control system failure.

How Long Can You Drive With a P0128 Code

According to most professional mechanics, the P0128 code is not a highly concerning point for most cars. You can drive your vehicle safely with a DTC code P0128.

However, if the issue stays for an extended period, taking action soonest is a solid rule of thumb. Otherwise, it causes severe damage to the vehicle.

As per our expert automotive technicians, you can drive a minimum of 500 kilometers with p0128 thermostat rationality. However, you should not go more than 1000 kilometers as it may cause severe damage to your vehicle.

Why does the P0128 Error Code Occur?

The error code p0128 may show up on your engine for several reasons. Here are they:

Missing Radiator Fan

If your vehicle has no radiator fan, the temperature reading may rise excessively. Without a good radiator, your car engine temperature will increase as long as you drive. Ultimately, it will show the code.

Defective Cables in the Circuit

The cables in the coolant temperature circuit should be defective-free to ensure a perfect temperature level. Otherwise, the temperature may rise significantly and show the code.

The Coolant Thermostat Jammed Up

When you have not cleaned the coolant thermostat for a long time, it will likely show high radiator temperature on the screen. Thus, the powertrain control module may exhibit obd2 code p0128 on your vehicle's digital screen.

No Thermostat

Sometimes drivers or mechanics remove thermostat from vehicle. No thermostat may lead to the P0128 code.

Defective Coolant Temperature Sensor

The coolant temperature sensor needs to work correctly and smoothly without any flaws to ensure the correct temperature reading. Otherwise, it has chances to show the error code p0128 Mercedes on your car.

How To Know Your Car Has P0128 Error Code?

It is necessary to find out whether the vehicle has a P0128 error code or not. Here are some typical indications you will see if your car has a P0128 error code:

Delay to Start

A car engine is supposed to start within a few seconds. So if your car BMW or other car takes more than average time to start, it may have BMW code p0128. Sometimes it may show p0300 code due to misfire issue.

Longer Idling

If your car is idling for a more extended period than earlier, it may have a p0128 error code. It may lead to fuel inefficiency.

Lower Temperature Gauge

Continuously monitoring the temperature gauge is necessary. It helps you to detect the error code p0128 Nissan, at the beginning.

The ideal temperature gauge should be between 195 degrees and 220 degrees. Make sure it remains on the standard level.

Fuel Inefficiency

Does your Ford engine require more time to start than earlier? It may result in its P0128 code ford focus in the future. Also, you may need to add fuel more frequently than before because your car engine is consuming more energy.

Light Is Not Switching Off

Don't your car's lights turn off automatically after switching the engine off? If not, it is an early sign your car engine is not functioning normally.

How Much Is the Cost to fix a p0128?

P0128 fix costs can be broken down into two types. First, you will have to purchase the relevant parts and bear the labor cost.

The thermostat and coolant temperature sensor are two main items damaged due to the p0128 error code.

How much does the coolant sensor replacement cost? It may cost around $75 to $150 based on the model and vehicle type.

How much does the coolant thermostat replacement cost? The exact cost may differ based on the model, vehicle type, and location. However, the average price will be around $200 to $250.

Will P0128 Code Clear Itself?

If any technical issue is causing the error codeP0128, it may clear itself after updating or resetting the system. However, if there is any hardware problem in your car engine, the P0128 error code will not be removed automatically. Usually, it happens as a result of damage to internal parts. Thus, the error code will not be cleared unless you replace the components,.

FAQ

Can low coolant cause p0128 code?

Yes, low coolant can cause a p0128 code by altering the current engine temperature. You should check out the coolant and thermostat level when it has dropped from the standard level.

Is it safe to drive with a P0128 code?

Yes, driving with a P0128 error code is safe if your car doesn't have any other internal problems. You can run a minimum of 500 kilometers with the code but should not go more than 1000 kilometers. Replace the damaged parts before exceeding 1000 kilometers.

What would cause a P0128 code?

A P0128 code can be caused by several reasons, such as-

· Missing radiator fan

· Defective cables in the circuit

· The bad coolant thermostat

· No thermostat

· Defective coolant temperature sensor

Finishing Up

Are you still wondering about how long can you drive with a p0128 code? Driving your car around 1500 kilometers will not cause any problem. However, if the error code is persisting, you should replace the damaged parts as early as possible. Otherwise, you will have to pay a handsome amount to replace multiple engine parts.