With this heat we are having I flushed the radiator and put in some fresh antifreeze. I also changed the thermostat. I got the thermostat at the dealer and I previously had a 195. The dealer gave me a 180.

Shortly after starting, the check engine light comes on. Questions:

1. Is this likely related to the 180 thermostat? (the engine runs noticeably cooler);

2. Is the computer going to learn and stop turning the check engine light on?

3. Is the car going to quit on me or go to limp home mode?

4. Should I bite the bullet and install a 195?

Thanks!

 

I dont think that it has anything to do with the thermostat... I personally dont even have a termostat in my car, and I havent gotten a check engine light for it

-Tim-

 

You need to check the code and see what it is.

 

Does it make a difference if it is a soft code?

 

You must have knocked something loose.
What he said, check the code.

 

You bought a thermostat from a dealer? What'd that cost you, about $20? They're $4 at any auto parts store.
The code is probably related to the coolant temp sensor. Its the closest thing to the thermostat housing and you probably knocked it loose.

 

Thanks, everybody

Isn't it amazing that a tiny hose, not much bigger than a toothpick, that I can barely see (even with my glasses), can cause so much trouble.

After Kevin's comment, I guess I won't even say anything about buying a $20 paper clip.