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Engine Code P0128 - engine running cool

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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 06:59 PM
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Engine Code P0128 - engine running cool

Just a few questions for the group. My 2003 Lincoln Navigator has been running a little rough lately. Driving around town it would 'shutter' sometimes under acceleration and my wife continually complains about poor gas mileage. So, I drive it and it felt like a 'misfire' on one of the cylinders. I went to Ford and bought a COP (ignition coil) because I assumed one if these was failing. My next plan was to head to Advanced Auto Parts and get them to pull the code and tell me which cylinder it was? However, they did not see a misfire code, they pulled a coolant temperature low code (P0128). Surprised me? Questions: If the thermostat is stuck open, causing excessive cooling, would it cause my engine to run rough sometimes? Why does my onboard check tell me "coolant temp ok"? Would this affect gas mileage? What are your thoughts on a Stant thermostat vs. a Motorcraft? Thanks y'all . . .
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 07:27 PM
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I see coolant temp codes a lot . Some are caused by bad T stats . Most are caused by computer programs going wonky . The PCM expects to see the coolant reach a set temp in a set time . If not , a code is set . Coolant temp codes do not normally cause running issues , unless the ecm sensor is the cause of the code .
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 08:48 PM
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What is your opinion about the Stant thermostat vs the Motorcraft? I am looking to go ahead and replace the thermostat, it has 190k on it, which I think is good. I am pretty sure I have a combustion issue when the shuddering under acceleration. I don't have any codes, but would it be possible to have a bad COP (ignition coil) and run intermittently rough with no codes? Thank you
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 09:15 PM
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stant is ok , if not a failsafe . You can have a miss with no codes . If you change the plugs , change the coil boots also. I do not recommend anti seize on the plugs IMHO .
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 10:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Navigating180k

If the thermostat is stuck open, causing excessive cooling, would it cause my engine to run rough sometimes?

What are your thoughts on a Stant thermostat vs. a Motorcraft?
Worst case is the MPG would suffer, but the engine would still run smooth.

A t-stat is a t-stat, is a t-stat. I run the cheapies all the time and never have issues.

If the CEL is not on, there will not be any misfire codes to read. You might get a pending code if you're lucky, but you also need a code reader that will read pending codes. What you really need is a reader that can view live data. These types of readers will show you how many misfires have occurred on your current trip. The cylinder with the most misfires is the likely culprit.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 10:57 PM
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I have not heard about a real time computer code tracker. Is this something I can get at Advanced? Is this a rental tool? Great idea.

Here is another question that is on my mind. What is your opinion about aftermarket COP's (coil over plug) ignition coils? I bought a Motorcraft one for $70 at the dealership, I can buy them on line for less, but aftermarket are much less? Thoughts?

Thanks for the reply
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 10:58 PM
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Originally Posted by alloro
A t-stat is a t-stat, is a t-stat. I run the cheapies all the time and never have issues.

so you ran the cheapies all the time, so does that mean you have changed it more then once?

on Topic: I think its a coil going bad or you could have water inside the coil or both, I had a coil starting to go bad and it didn't show a check engine light until few days later. Could try accelerating at WOT maybe it will make the coil bit the dust but at least you'll know which one.......
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 11:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Navigating180k
I have not heard about a real time computer code tracker. Is this something I can get at Advanced? Is this a rental tool? Great idea.

Here is another question that is on my mind. What is your opinion about aftermarket COP's (coil over plug) ignition coils? I bought a Motorcraft one for $70 at the dealership, I can buy them on line for less, but aftermarket are much less? Thoughts?

Thanks for the reply
Mine had hesitation when accelerating. OBD gave no codes but mechanic used something like a wave detector and said my number 8 ignition coil was bad. He had an aftermarket at the time. Now it's been about 10k miles and no issues so far.

The only visual difference was the Motorcraft had some writings on head (I'm guessing some technical numbers) and aftermarket had nothing. Blank black top. Much cheaper though.
 
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Old Mar 24, 2013 | 11:27 AM
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Originally Posted by 5.4T
so you ran the cheapies all the time, so does that mean you have changed it more then once?
I have multiple vehicles, then I of course over the years have bough and sold, plus many people bring their vehicles to me for repairs. But since you quoted my text then you already know that I wrote, "I run the cheapies all the time AND NEVER HAVE ANY ISSUES." So if it was your intent to try and punch some kind of hole in my remark, try harder.
 
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Old Mar 24, 2013 | 12:21 PM
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Well you just posted that about the t-stats in a Navigator/Expedition thread that's why I suspect it was on a ford Suv and none other.
 
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