P-1281 Code 02’ Dakota

[53' Stude]

Was heading into work today and noted check engine light on. 3.9 v-6. Coolant temp in range and not overheating.

Code says something “engine not reaching operating temp”.

 

[cptbarkey]

thermostat might be stuck open. it might be taking too long to reach operating temperature.

 

[ripcord]

Some cars have separate temp sending units for the dash and for the ECU. Maybe the one for the ECU is failing?

 

[53' Stude]

Some cars have separate temp sending units for the dash and for the ECU. Maybe the one for the ECU is failing?

Good point. Truck makes heat in like 10-12 minutes. I did find a box saying “GATES Cooling system parts” and what appeared to be old thermostat.

I’m pondering the far fetched idea maybe the radiator cap stuck or….

 

[wlk]

Not sure if yours is like mine but the ecu's temp sensor is wedged in behind the thermostat to the top right. Pull the thermostat or ac compressor to access it. Could kill 2 birds by changing thermostat and ecu sensor. The gauges sensor is closer to the alternator and left of the thermostat.

 

[53' Stude]

Not sure if yours is like mine but the ecu's temp sensor is wedged in behind the thermostat to the top right. Pull the thermostat or ac compressor to access it. Could kill 2 birds by changing thermostat and ecu sensor. The gauges sensor is closer to the alternator and left of the thermostat.

I went ahead and had conworker help me last night since we were slow at work. Sensor tested ok, using heat gun and scan tool, thermostat is stuck. Listened to elder mechanic and went with a genuine MOPAR stat. Already have “right stuff” gasket maker.

 

[BrendanC]

I went ahead and had conworker help me last night since we were slow at work. Sensor tested ok, using heat gun and scan tool, thermostat is stuck. Listened to elder mechanic and went with a genuine MOPAR stat. Already have “right stuff” gasket maker.

can’t go wrong. OEM thermostats are the only way to go across the board. let us know if this resolved the issue

 

[t1snwrbrdr12]

I went ahead and had conworker help me last night since we were slow at work. Sensor tested ok, using heat gun and scan tool, thermostat is stuck. Listened to elder mechanic and went with a genuine MOPAR stat. Already have “right stuff” gasket maker.

That’s very normal for Chryslers of that era. Can’t tell you how many thermostats I’ve picked out in pieces from one.

That should also use a typical thermostat gasket. I wouldn’t be using gasket maker on it unless the housing or surfaces are pitted so a gasket won’t seal.

 

[53' Stude]

That’s very normal for Chryslers of that era. Can’t tell you how many thermostats I’ve picked out in pieces from one.

That should also use a typical thermostat gasket. I wouldn’t be using gasket maker on it unless the housing or surfaces are pitted so a gasket won’t seal.

Well, dodge garage didn’t have a gasket. Plus I don’t know if I could find one online. My friend may have some gasket material as I have two punch sets

 

[Chris142]

That’s very normal for Chryslers of that era. Can’t tell you how many thermostats I’ve picked out in pieces from one.

That should also use a typical thermostat gasket. I wouldn’t be using gasket maker on it unless the housing or surfaces are pitted so a gasket won’t seal.

The oe stat in my jeep stuck open @28k. The Mopar replacement did the same thing @ nearly the same milage. Been running aftermarket ones ever since.

 

[53' Stude]

Took day off to tackle the Dakota thermostat. Friends stopping by with some extensions and other tools. Had to go out of my way to Boardman Chrysler dealer in OHIO for a thermostat. They didn’t even have gasket. Thank god AAP near me has one and some Permatex ultra black. Shame when dealer won’t carry a 20~ year old repair part.

 

[ripcord]

Took day off to tackle the Dakota thermostat. Friends stopping by with some extensions and other tools. Had to go out of my way to Boardman Chrysler dealer in OHIO for a thermostat. They didn’t even have gasket. Thank god AAP near me has one and some Permatex ultra black. Shame when dealer won’t carry a 20~ year old repair part.

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Just in time for winter

 

[53' Stude]

Just in time for winter

Well, we don’t have winters here it seems. Last harsh one was 2022 when it was like -18F 3 days before Christmas. The focus ran great with Delvac 1 ESP 5w40 in sump that year too

 

[ripcord]

Well, we don’t have winters here it seems. Last harsh one was 2022 when it was like -18F 3 days before Christmas. The focus ran great with Delvac 1 ESP 5w40 in sump that year too

I'm from Seattle, so my definition of winter might be a little more lame than yours, LOL.

 

[53' Stude]

I'm from Seattle, so my definition of winter might be a little more lame than yours, LOL.

Washington weather: RAIN