[cmm47172]

Thanks ahead of time to anyone who responds!

My 2009 Dodge Nitro (Nitro 4.0 liter v6 sohc engine 4x4 lhd) check engine light is on with a P0128 code.

According to what I found online, a P0128 means a stuck open thermostat.

So I decided that I will replace it this weekend.

I found a pretty good video on YouTube showing the process….

My question is, once replaced, is there a need to purge air out of the system and how does one do that?

I also need to know what type/brand of Antifreeze does it take.

Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[Stevenitrosublette]

Yes you must purge the air out of the system. Also use only HOAT antifreeze.
A good way to purge the air is to lift the front of the vehicle off the ground a few inches when refilling the radiator and watch for the bubbles to stop completely. Also I found that after you drive the vehicle once you will have to top off the overflow tank.

 

[cmm47172]

Thanks for the reply. After you fill the radiator, do you also fill the overflow tank to the cold mark or the hot mark or fill it all the way up?

 

[Stevenitrosublette]

To the cold mark. But like I say check it after you drive it .
I've had to drain and refill mine a few times and you must take your time filling up the radiator. Probably because the thermostat is on the bottom of the radiator.

 

[cmm47172]

Is the video accurate as to where to locate the thermostat? I saw in a different post that you have to remove the intake manifold and a bunch of other stuff. What would you consider as a fair price to pay someone to replace it for me and do a flush and refill at the same time?

 

[Stevenitrosublette]

I should have noticed you have a 4.0.... I have the 3.7. Thermostat placement may be different.

 

[Stevenitrosublette]

As far as prices you'd have to call around to see who could give you the best price .

 

[cmm47172]

I called the dealer and they want $521.00 to do the whole job.

That’s BS in my opinion. They also said they would have to replace the thermostat housing.

Do you think that the housing can be reused as long as it is in good condition?

 

[Stevenitrosublette]

These days with everything being plastic, I'd say yes it should be replaced with the thermostat. And the service manual more then likely states it must be done.
I'm at work right now but I do have the SM.
If you'd like I can look up the thermostat replacement and let you know what it says.

 

[Stevenitrosublette]

These days with everything being plastic, I'd say yes it should be replaced with the thermostat. And the service manual more then likely states it must be done.
I'm at work right now but I do have the SM.
If you'd like I can look up the thermostat replacement and let you know what it says.

 

[cmm47172]

I'm at work right now but I do have the SM.
If you'd like I can look up the thermostat replacement and let you know what it says.

Yes, I would very much appreciate that.

 

[Stevenitrosublette]

What would you like to know ?

 

[Stevenitrosublette]

I looked at the service manual and it shows no difference for a 4.0 that I found . So the video you have there should explain the thermostat replacement procedure. And no you should not have to replace the thermostat housing... unless it's cracked?

 

[Stevenitrosublette]

Just keep in mind the thermostat o ring /gasket has a notch that it fits into . It only fits one way ... you'll see.

 

[cmm47172]

Awesome, thanks. I will post how it turns out

 

[cmm47172]

Do you know where I can get a service manual for 2009?

 

[Stevenitrosublette]

I found the one I have on ebay
Did you look see if your thermostat is were it's is on the video ? I'm curious as the service manual does not differentiate between 3.7 and 4.0.

 

[cmm47172]

No Sir, I haven't had a chance yet. I'm thinking about clearing the check engine light and trading it in for a new vehicle. Haven't decided yet. Can't seem to find any new SUV of any make/model that looks as cool as the nitro.

 

[Stevenitrosublette]

Well unfortunately just clearing the light with a scanner will not hide the code . It stores any code in the computer until the vehicle goes through 4 warm up cycles then it will delete it out of the memory.
If it doesn't throw the same code again.

 

[Stevenitrosublette]

What code are you getting?