Slammed on brakes, now Check Engine Light?

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01-06-2009 | 06:32 AM

#11

06Daytona

Thread Starter

Senior Member

Joined: 06-29-2007

Posts: 165

From: NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by InkTheFlesh

I've had 3 cars in my bay in the last 2 months with this code. (Toyota vehicles, not Chevys.) All three had bad thermostats.

Thanks.

Now, is changing out the HHR thermostat difficult?
I looked around under the hood and couldn't locate it.
Thanks.

01-06-2009 | 08:37 AM

#12

ChevyMgr

Founding Member

Joined: 11-23-2007

Posts: 8,210

From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06Daytona

Thanks.

Now, is changing out the HHR thermostat difficult?
I looked around under the hood and couldn't locate it.
Thanks.

Check this thread:

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show....php?t=15790#6

01-06-2009 | 11:38 AM

#13

whopper

Platinum Member

Joined: 04-09-2006

Posts: 7,039

From: Vancouver, BC, Canada

And the drain plug for the radiator is located on the back-side of the radiator, at the bottom, on the passengers side of the vehicle. It is hard to see from the top but it is there. If memory serves me right, ChevyMgr made a note in my previous query, that the drain plug can be rather fragile, but I managed to loosen mine without problems. Just be careful with it.

There is not that much room to work on those hoses and the housing for the thermostat, but I managed to get at the bolts for the housing, and replace the thermostat without removing the hose from the housing.

I found my old thermostat had the internal rubber seal coming all apart, and jamming the operation of the thermostat (Not the integrated gasket around the outside of the thermostat).

Once again well done ChevyMgr!!!

01-06-2009 | 11:42 AM

#14

06Daytona

Thread Starter

Senior Member

Joined: 06-29-2007

Posts: 165

From: NC

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the help.

01-06-2009 | 12:08 PM

#15

Marzipan

Senior Member

Joined: 10-15-2007

Posts: 199

From: Yukon

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06Daytona

OK, my CEL came on again so I went to AutoZone and they printed out code P0128 which is "Coolant temp stays low" or something close to that.
I've already checked the coolant level and it is normal. My only other guess is that the thermostat may be stuck open. Does this sound right?
I've successfully changed out thermostats on other vehicles, so I would think the HHR would not be difficult. Are there any suggestions before I start?
Thanks.

It's easy enough to check whether your coolant thermostat is open ..... from a cold start watch the temperature gauge and feel the temperature of the hose from the block to the top of the radiator. The hose should get hot when the gauge indicates the coolant is close to desired temperature - about 90C - not much before.