2005 Chevy Equinox Engine temperature drops

Tiny
LULUHALEY
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 65,000 MILES
My 2005 chevy equinox, AWD 3.4L engine, has a P0128 code. I have has the thermostat and Engine coolant temperature sensor replaced. I have had the radiator flushed and filled with dex-cool antifreeze. The engine runs and the temperature gauge drops down to cold and the heat turns cool whenever I start driving over 30mph. After driving on the expressway for 20 minutes the engine was still cool enough to touch. The repair shop can't find anything wrong but I cannot pass the emissions test. Any ideas or suggestions of what the problem could be?
Thursday, March 25th, 2010 AT 10:35 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
I've been told multiple times that new thermostats are just as likely to fail as old ones. According to one manufacturer trainer, "we not only sell you parts; we sell them to you pre-broken".

Try pinching the upper radiator hose for a few minutes. If the temperature comes up to normal, try another thermostat. On some engines, there is a rubber gasket around the outer edge of the flange. Be sure that is in place. If you have a cap on the radiator, watch the coolant start to flow when the engine is started. There should be no flow until the engine is up to proper temperature.

Caradiodoc
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Thursday, March 25th, 2010 AT 11:06 PM

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