P0128 code for a LS nonbeliever ('15 5.3 Silverado)

pagrunt

Geezer
Supporting Member
Sep 14, 2014
9,856
17,238
113
Elderton, Pa
Well I have to dive into this with my '15 Silverado but figured it might be something others may have pop up on their LS powered G. After driving home from work tonight I had both fans kick into full scream as I was parking the truck & noticed the temp gauge sitting only at 160 with no CEL on. Scanned & got a pending P0128, everything under the hood was cool to touch, overflow at the time was not at the full cool mark but since the truck was running for about 20 minutes at around 55 on the ride home I want to recheck in the morning as everything will be at a near air temp & cold. Inner web says culprit could be between the thermostat, temp sensor near it, low coolant (morning recheck) &/or fans themself. Tempted to try the stealership but the one local refused to accept my Ally extended warranty & not really in the mood to deal with fight with others to see if they'll accept it or not as we have an unexpected family thing just happened to add to getting this quickly done. Besides ensuring the coolant level is correct should I just swap the thermostat & sensor & go from there & just the thermostat? To be honest I'd rather throw the $100 at the garage & let them trouble shoot & let Ally cover everthing but speed of gettig it fixed is the primary course of action.
 
I found this Reddit post that says it's likely just the thermostat and not the sensor, considering your coolant level has been verified. The OP had a Dodge and the shop warned of overheating but apparently that's not possible with that code. All new to me.

Screenshot_20250312-233828~2.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: pagrunt
I've been reading posts & watching videos to night & keep seeing it leans to this. The odd thing to me is I'm use to hear (& experiencing) low coolant causing over heating, not over cooling & I've come across several running with this. Another kicker is thermostat & coolant runs close to my deductible.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sweet_Johnny
I don't claim to understand the new stuff but I think the only way low coolant would throw a low temp code is if it never, ever touched the sensor. I'm used to being low enough to get hot but still high enough to wash the probe in the cylinder head. I feel that you'd have to be damn near empty to get a code like that, pointing me to a bad sensor. But that doesn't jive with the Reddit tech's experience. Maybe change the 'stat and if it persists suspect the sensor?

At least it's too cold and not too hot, but I have no idea what changes the ECU makes based on that.
 

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor