Driving after P0128
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Grand Strand, SC
2012 C250 1.8L Turbo Blue Tec
Driving after P0128
I believe this is the right forum for my 2012 C250 Turbo 1.8L (W204). If not, please point me to the right one.
Is it safe to drive after clearing a P0128 coolant thermostat check engine code? I am supposed to drive 250 miles tomorrow to see my dental surgeon. It happened this past Friday. Car has 87K miles. No coolant leaks and coolant reservoir is full. I've driven the car about 100 miles over the last few days and the check engine light has NOT come back on. Car has been driving fine with normal power, etc.. It appears the thermostat is stuck open as the coolant temperature varies between 60-85. Normally it warms up to 85 and never moves irregardless of outside temperature.
Logic tells me that it will be ok as long as the temperature stays in the same range as it's been over last few days. I know that logic doesn't always prevail and don't want to blow my engine.
Is it safe to drive after clearing a P0128 coolant thermostat check engine code? I am supposed to drive 250 miles tomorrow to see my dental surgeon. It happened this past Friday. Car has 87K miles. No coolant leaks and coolant reservoir is full. I've driven the car about 100 miles over the last few days and the check engine light has NOT come back on. Car has been driving fine with normal power, etc.. It appears the thermostat is stuck open as the coolant temperature varies between 60-85. Normally it warms up to 85 and never moves irregardless of outside temperature.
Logic tells me that it will be ok as long as the temperature stays in the same range as it's been over last few days. I know that logic doesn't always prevail and don't want to blow my engine.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 462
Likes: 152
From: Panama City, FL
2020 C300, 2013 C250, 2000 Boxster S
Re: P0128
You should be fine. I had the same code a few weeks ago and have driven about 800 miles since I cleared the code. My experience is the same and the engine just takes longer to reach normal temperature. I’ve ordered a new thermostat and it’s on the maintenance list for replacement over the Thanksgiving break. I have a 2013 C250.
Last edited by alynch; Nov 19, 2019 at 07:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Grand Strand, SC
2012 C250 1.8L Turbo Blue Tec
Thanks for that. Anyone recommend a particular brand replacement? I buy mostly from Rock Auto. They have Gates, Stant, Beck/Arnley, Motorad, Dorman, Four Seasons, etc.. Prices range from $50-160.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 462
Likes: 152
From: Panama City, FL
2020 C300, 2013 C250, 2000 Boxster S
I bought an OE Mercedes thermostat from mercedespartscenter.com. Good prices and service and since it’s a housing, thermostat, and o-ring assembly I thought it wise to stay with OE.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 378
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From: Canada
2022 EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan, 2010 C-Class C350 4MATIC
I purchased the Beck/Arnley from RockAuto for $86 CDN and it was an OEM unit.
