Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation

[5-Speed_MZ3]

I just got my CEL scanned at part source and I was told I got a code PO126, which is the error stated in the title. She said it might be the sensor that needs replacing. Any ideas and suggestions?

Thanks!

[FD22]

Someone could correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this is the thermostat that needs replacing.

[Johns 08 3 GT]

Replace the t-stat. The sensors on these cars rarely fail. There is an updated t-stat from Mazda. Its about $63.

[Zuluwun]

OP, we already answered your question in your other thread. Don't make a new thread for the same question.

[5-Speed_MZ3]

OP, we already answered your question in your other thread. Don't make a new thread for the same question.

Sorry about that will keep that in mind next time.

[orGhatcH]

Replace the t-stat. The sensors on these cars rarely fail. There is an updated t-stat from Mazda. Its about $63.

sorry to go out of topic. where did you get a t-stat for $63? dealership? I thought it was almost $100 + tax.

[Johns 08 3 GT]

At the dealer. There was a price drop on them. Used to be $95.

[gq_movement]

Sorry, just to confirm.

To clear the P0126 code, you have to replace the t-stat. I just noticed my coolant level is slightly under min. but my car is parked a bit on an angle so i figure it's slopped back.

But to clear the problem, replace the t-stat?

[5-Speed_MZ3]

So change the thermostat? That's what most of you guys are suggesting. Is it something I can do myself?

[gabbygenier]

yes. change the thermostat. its a common issue with the first gen 3's. search on the site and i believe theres even a write up somewhere on how to do it. you may not ntice it now but i can guarantee when winter is here, you will notice no heat in the car

if youre doing it yourself. buy some coolant too cause you will lose most of it when you swap it as it is enclosed inside part of the hose and thats one of the reasons its a bit more expensive also then other cars that you just replace the thermostat.

[gq_movement]

yes. change the thermostat. its a common issue with the first gen 3's. search on the site and i believe theres even a write up somewhere on how to do it. you may not ntice it now but i can guarantee when winter is here, you will notice no heat in the car

if youre doing it yourself. buy some coolant too cause you will lose most of it when you swap it as it is enclosed inside part of the hose and thats one of the reasons its a bit more expensive also then other cars that you just replace the thermostat.


cheers man

[gabbygenier]

http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=392043

[gq_movement]

if coolant level is slightly low, would i have to do anything else? going to check for a leak (which i doubt i have)

[MazdaMike02]

Remove the belt tensioner and the bolts for the thermostat are easily accessable. The bottom ones are easier to access from the bottom. Theyre 8mm bolts, a 1/4 drive ratchet is usually enough for me.

[5-Speed_MZ3]

My temperature gauge is very normal even after the CEL came on... Is it still the thermostat that needs changing?

[Johns 08 3 GT]

My temperature gauge is very normal even after the CEL came on... Is it still the thermostat that needs changing?

What code did you read from the CEL?

[gabbygenier]

My temperature gauge is very normal even after the CEL came on... Is it still the thermostat that needs changing?

If you get P0126, then yes. the temp will be normal on the gauge, but i dare you to leave it and tell me how fast your car warms up when winter is really here.

[5-Speed_MZ3]

What code did you read from the CEL?
PO126 - insufficient coolant temperature for stable operation

[5-Speed_MZ3]

Does anyone know a good shop to get this fixed? Preferably in Markham or Waterloo.

[Jackal]

Does anyone know a good shop to get this fixed? Preferably in Markham or Waterloo.

Well hmmm let me think...

Street Performance - Jimmy - check out first post for contact information. Call him for an appt.
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?17212-Street-Performance

[5-Speed_MZ3]

If you get P0126, then yes. the temp will be normal on the gauge, but i dare you to leave it and tell me how fast your car warms up when winter is really here.

So the other day when it reached -7 in Waterloo I started the car up and it still warmed up very normally, say 10 minutes or so. Confused :/

[5-Speed_MZ3]

Also the air inside my car blows warm in the cold.

[gabbygenier]

So the other day when it reached -7 in Waterloo I started the car up and it still warmed up very normally, say 10 minutes or so. Confused :/

-7 is not winter.

its up to you to decide if you want to change it or not. i ran the car with that cel for over a year, it used to come on here and there but summer came around and it was on all the time even if i cleared it. it would stay off for maybe 5 mins. at that point, when winter came (-20), i would drive half an hour and my car still wouldnt be warm inside.

IMO you can procrastinate all you want but if you do a simple google search for that CEL, every single one of them will come back with changing the thermostat so youll have to change it eventually. at some point you will need an Etest for your car and it wont pass with a CEL on.

[MazdaMike02]

Do not procrastinate. Get it done. You will have poor fuel economy also a host of other problems because of the thermostat.