2002 Toyota Highlander Coolant system

2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
113,000 MILES • 6 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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ETUCKER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
It is very cold here right now and the temp guage will not reach above 1/4 up the hot scale. Typically it is midway. My Engine Light came on and I had it read as P0128 - Coolant Sensor. But, I had read on the Internet that this could be misleading if the thermostat was bad. Plus, the light cleared and stayed off after we pulled the code for several days. It is back on now, but I am wondering if I should just change the thermostat first and see what happens - it cost less. But, where is it at on the '02 Highlander? And, is this the right approach?

Thank you, Eric
Jan 25, 2008 at 4:22 PM
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BLACKOP555
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 10,386 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
The coolant temp sensor is cheap also to fix.

But anyways the thermostat should be located where hte upper radiator hose meats the engine, the thing it hooks to is the thermostat housing, to remove it unbolt it.
Jan 25, 2008 at 7:18 PM
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