Errors: P0128 and P0460

[Fundy1842]

Hello again everybody,

I was wanting to get everyone's opinions on the following error codes (per Autozone), 2006 Lincoln LS:

P0128- Coolant Temp is Always Low
P0460-Fuel Level Sending Unit Condition

My check engine light came on about a month ago (I know, no chastising), and I was finally able to go today and let the guy at AZ check it out for me.

The exact circumstance of the light coming on, is that I was pulling out of a gas station on to a 2 lane highway, and really had to "punch it" to get up to speed. As a general rule, I take it very easy on the accelerator, to avoid such things from happening. However this time, as soon as I got through maybe 2nd to 3rd gear, the light came on, in all its amber-colored horror.

I have checked the coolant level, which seems to be fine. However, it may be worth noting that I replaced the DCCV early this spring, and therefore I replaced all the coolant (per the factory guidelines I believe).

My question for everyone here is, is there any possibility the two are related in any way? I have seen a vague post here about the P0460 being a sensor in the fuel tank, that would have to be replaced by removing one of the seats in the front of the car (?). I also have had no issues with the fuel gauge or distance till empty trip on the computer.

Regarding the other error, it looks like replacing the thermostat for the P0128 error is fairly simple, assuming it is a thermostat problem.

Does anyone have any guidance?

I appreciate the help as always, and look forward to your responses.

Branden

 

[jjcool00]

Well it looks from your post that you've done your searching. What I would recommend, is resetting the light and seeing if it comes back on. If it does, the problems persist.

P0128 - replace your thermostat, get the motorcraft part, get the housing as well and the gasket. Bleed the system correctly according to the tech article above.

p0460 is the fuel level senders, there are two. From searching through threads it looks like you can access the senders through a door below the REAR seats.

 

[Fundy1842]

Thank you very much, I appreciate your reply. I got my oil changed yesterday, and I was about a quart and a half low on coolant. I would like to reset the light, and see if this problem persists. I will search this evening after work, but do you have "easy" instructions on resetting the light? Or do I need to have a technician do it?

Thanks!

Branden

 

[jjcool00]

Thank you very much, I appreciate your reply. I got my oil changed yesterday, and I was about a quart and a half low on coolant. I would like to reset the light, and see if this problem persists. I will search this evening after work, but do you have "easy" instructions on resetting the light? Or do I need to have a technician do it?

Thanks!

Branden

If you have a scan tool you can reset it through the OBD. If you don't disconnecting the battery for a few minutes should do it.

 

[joegr]

...I was about a quart and a half low on coolant. ...

Coolant isn't consumed. If it was low, you have a leak. You almost certainly need to replace nearly all of you plastic cooling system parts like most of the rest of us have done.

It's possible that someone removed your thermostat thinking that would solve some overheating problems caused by the micro cracks in the plastic. You really should resolve this. You are adding wear to the engine by it not running in its designed temperature range. (Yes, too low is nearly as bad as too high.)

 

[joegr]

... but do you have "easy" instructions on resetting the light? Or do I need to have a technician do it?

Thanks!

Branden

The light will go off a day or two after the problem(s) are fixed. If you reset the light, you still won't know anything until a few days pass without it coming back on.

 

[LS4me]

Coolant isn't consumed. If it was low, you have a leak. You almost certainly need to replace nearly all of you plastic cooling system parts like most of the rest of us have done.

I gotta ask.... Do you have this statement saved in a file so you don't have to type it every few days???

 

[joegr]

I gotta ask.... Do you have this statement saved in a file so you don't have to type it every few days???

No, but that is a good idea...

 

[Fundy1842]

Thanks again for all of the replies.

I do realize that coolant isn't consumed, but I am wondering if when I replaced the DCCV I didn't use enough at that time, or maybe it didn't bleed properly? What I intend on doing now, is driving the car for a couple of weeks, and going back to my mechanic to see if I have lost fluid again. Then I will know for sure if I have a crack somewhere. Would being low on coolant have caused the engine to give me the error for low temperature coolant? Would it matter that I am nearly always keeping an eye on the temperature gauge, and it always sits comfortably in the middle with little or no variation.

When I left work yesterday, I did take a look under where I had been parked for about 4 hours, and found a wet spot about the size of the bottom of a soda can. When I touched it to see what kind of fluid it was, it appeared clear and odorless? Wasn't sure if it was some kind of condensation from running the AC, but after 4 hours, I wouldn't expect to find a wet spot on the ground. It seemed to be coming from approximately under the passenger side dash area, maybe a little more forward than that. I would have expected coolant to have a color to it, but this did not.

Also, the thermostat would have never been removed, not in the 3 years since I have owned the car. If it had been, wouldn't the warning light have come on at that time?

 

[LS4me]

When I left work yesterday, I did take a look under where I had been parked for about 4 hours, and found a wet spot about the size of the bottom of a soda can. When I touched it to see what kind of fluid it was, it appeared clear and odorless? Wasn't sure if it was some kind of condensation from running the AC, but after 4 hours, I wouldn't expect to find a wet spot on the ground. It seemed to be coming from approximately under the passenger side dash area, maybe a little more forward than that. I would have expected coolant to have a color to it, but this did not.

It's humid, there, correct? That is condensation. Not to worry. The more humid it is the more drainage there will be. I've seen a drip trail in my driveway after running an errand.

 

[joegr]

It's humid, there, correct? That is condensation. Not to worry. The more humid it is the more drainage there will be. I've seen a drip trail in my driveway after running an errand.

It often gets to over 90% humidly here. When it does, there is a solid trail of water from the road, across my driveway, and into my garage (where there is a large puddle under the car).