2006 Honda Accord -Engine Light Thermostat
#1
2006 Honda Accord -Engine Light Thermostat
Recently my check engine light came on. I have a reader that hooks up to a laptop. I didn't write down the exact error but something like, General-Drive Train-Thermostat -Coolant temp lower than circulating temp. I reset the code and it was good for a week then came back on. the temperature gauge is normal. I would think to replace the thermostat but the temp gauge is normal. Any help would be appreciated. Car has 216,000 km.
Last edited by dctaz37; 05-01-2018 at 08:22 AM.
#3
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Re: 2006 Honda Accord -Engine Light Thermostat
Don't trust the stock gauge. In most cases, they are not linear at all and have a dead zone. Just because it is showing in the 'normal' spot does not mean full operating temperature has been reached.
Assuming your code is P0128 (verify?), either the thermo or the ECT is toast. Thermostat is easy to test. Why not start with that?
Assuming your code is P0128 (verify?), either the thermo or the ECT is toast. Thermostat is easy to test. Why not start with that?
#4
Re: 2006 Honda Accord -Engine Light Thermostat
Yes the code is P0128. I downloaded instructions to test if it is heating up properly so I'm going to try that. It doesn't seem to take longer to warm up. What is the ECM? I'm assuming sensors and if yes where would they be and how do you tell if they are bad?
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Re: 2006 Honda Accord -Engine Light Thermostat
The ECT, on the other hand, is the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor. These are also very easy to replace, and you don't need to buy an OEM part to replace it if need be; I run a Beck Arnley switch in my Civic and it has been problem free for years.
Report back on your thermostat test, then worry about replacing the ECT. The worst thing you can do is just throw parts at a car. Diagnose and solve!
#6
Re: 2006 Honda Accord -Engine Light Thermostat
I did some troubleshooting this am. The top hose gets hot after 10 min. and the bottom hose gets hot after 15 min. I'm not sure what to do next or what this tells me.
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Re: 2006 Honda Accord -Engine Light Thermostat
Did you determine the health of your thermostat? Stay focused.
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#8
Re: 2006 Honda Accord -Engine Light Thermostat
I started the car in the driveway so it was at idle, held both the upper and lower rad hoses. The top hose gets hot after 10 min. and the bottom hose gets hot after 15 min. I thought this test would help to determine if I should change the thermostat or not.
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Re: 2006 Honda Accord -Engine Light Thermostat
#10
Re: 2006 Honda Accord -Engine Light Thermostat
If I need to take it apart to test the thermostat, I might as well just replace it for the price, I thought I could determine if it was the issue without disassembly.
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Re: 2006 Honda Accord -Engine Light Thermostat
I'm not sure I understand your logic. Taking the thermostat out and testing it is free, replacing it is not. However, if you feel that is the best choice, it's your money and you're welcome to do with it as you please.
#12
Re: 2006 Honda Accord -Engine Light Thermostat
I'd actually like to troubleshoot and determine the problem without taking it apart. Not afraid to get my hands dirty but why open it up if you don't have to.I downloaded troubleshooting steps https://www.yourmechanic.com/article...e-by-evan-clay . Now from what I have found so far I think the thermostat is behaving properly, just wanted some feedback from here to see if this is correct. Next I was going to test the ECT.
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Re: 2006 Honda Accord -Engine Light Thermostat
If you would prefer to test the ECT first, that's entirely up to you and isn't a bad idea. Usually the thermo is the issue (apparently 'yourmechanic' feels the same way) but it can't hurt to check the ECT.
Best of luck and report back after running your tests.
Best of luck and report back after running your tests.
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