Engine Light

[ncburch22]

Needing some help. I went out of town for a week. Before I left my LR3 was running fine with no warning lights on. When I left the outside air temp was in the high 70's, low 80's. I come back to 40-50 degree weather. I start my truck with no problems the day I come back. I drive about 5 miles and the amber(orange) colored engine light appears. I pull over and check all fluids(oil, coolant, etc..) and all were at proper levels. I hear no abnormal sounds or clanks coming from the motor. The engine temp is at normal as well. I'm stumped. Could it possibly be a bad MAF or maybe even the thermostat is faulty? I read from another forum that someone else was having the same issue when it got cold outside. I'm taking it to Auto Zone tomorrow to get the codes. Any advice or thoughts are appreciated!

 

[ncburch22]

Forgot to mention.. I had the oil changed and filters changed about 1,000 miles ago. I'm currently at 83,480 miles. Is there a chance that maybe the shop that did the service forgot(or lack of knowledge) to reset the computer?

 

[JackMac]

MAF and T-stat are very common around your mileage (ask me how I know and will throw an amber check engine light. Need to get the code read to confirm. Both are relatively easy DIY replacements.

Oh, and I assume you reseated the gas cap already?

 

[EIGHTLUG]

I'd lean toward the T-Stat sticking and I'll also throw in that the light is on because you have had multiple "exceeded time to reach operating temperature" events.

 

[ncburch22]

P0128 was the code given. "Coolant temp. is always low", "Power train control module verifies that the engine is at a proper operating temp."- Probable cause- "Check coolant level" OR "T-Stat defective". I called the Body Shop in Birmingham, AL(specialize in British vehicles). I could have the t-stat housing replace for about $300..

 

[ncburch22]

May just follow these steps and do it myself. http://www.scribd.com/doc/45477748/Land-Rover-LR3-–-Thermostat-Replacement-DIY

 

[socalrovershop]

just replace the thermostat the seals tend to fold over causing coolant bypass

 

[ncburch22]

I ordered the gasket seal and thermostat for a total of $41.40. Not bad at all. Luckily the housing isn't cracked.

 

[GWDRoverTX]

I have a P0128 code and the amber CEL is on. I'm pretty sure I need to replace the thermostat and I'm willing to try it myself. I am debating whether it would be easier to replace the whole assembly with thermostat. I have been told by my dealer's parts dept. and my indy LR shop that the assembly eventually develops a leak and has to be replaced anyway. I have a 2007 LR3 with 72k miles. My question is if I go that route, is it as simple as taking the old one off and bolt on the new one and reattach the hoses? Also, do I have to drain all the coolant or just put a pan underneath to catch whatever drips out?

 

[ncburch22]

I have an '05 with 83k miles. I ordered the thermostat and t-stat gasket from Autoparts Warehouse for $41.40 shipped. I'm not so sure about how easy it would be to replace the housing, but replacing the t-stat itself wasn't hard at all. Follow the steps shown above in the links given. You will have to drain the coolant unless you want to clean up a big mess.