Dodge Dart Forum banner

CEL Code: P0128

24K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  Beitie  
#1 ·
So today after work got into my Dart 2.0L and the CEL came on. I was right next to an auto zone so I figured maybe they can bring up the code for me. Well nothing came up for them. So I said thanks anyway and went to the muffler shop that got my muffler delete done. The owner came up plugged in his reader and sure enough Code P0128 came up. He told me what it was and I should see what my dealership had to say about it. I got there and they asked if I was still covered under warranty. Sadly not, I just hit the 40,000 mile mark and my basic ended at 36,000 (funny how this happens right when it ends lol). So the technician says we are a little busy today and it would have to be dropped off tomorrow for a day to find the solution, but he thinks the thermostat is bad and needs to be replaced. So I asked him how much is the estimate to do this? "$450-$550". Yeah no thanks. To be honest I didn't feel any difference in the way the car was operating, since I did this right when I got off work I actually went back home. I actually live 65 miles away from work so I commute that daily with the CEL still on. Now could it be that my coolant level is just low? I let my Dart rest while I've been home and checked the level it was a tad below minimum. Does the CEL go off if its a smidge under? If it's a bad thermostat how much are they really and is it easy to replace at home? Thanks for reading guys hopefully you experienced owners can help me on this.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Update: So I noticed that the temperature start up took way longer than usual to heat up to normal levels. Thermostat did go bad at 40,000 miles. Went and bought 2 Gallons of Mopar Antifreeze from Dodge, 1 for the coolant drain and 1 for me to have around for the future. That cost me $83.21. Went instead to another mechanic I've known for a long time and they quoted me for $360.00 for parts and labor to replace the thermostat which I'm fine with that compared to the $450 - $550 Dodge would have charged me and would of need my vehicle for a whole day where my buddies say it'll only take 3 hours.