What is the P0126 fault code What is the description for Insufficient Coolant Temperature to Stable Operation fault code? How do you fix the P0126 fault code What are the causes and symptoms of the P0126 error code?
What is the P0126 fault code? What does it all mean?
If the powertrain controller module (PCM), detects that an engine has not reached normal operating temperatures within the time limit, Code P0126 is triggered.
The engine must operate at a specified temperature in order to achieve maximum performance. The operating temperature range is typically between 195-220°F and the engine should reach this range within a specified time. Code P0126 will be applied if the coolant temperature is not within the time limit.
In such cases, the PCM is unable to rely upon the O2 sensors’ data. The vehicle is placed in failsafe mode to control its air-fuel mixture, ignition timing, and other functions. This mod is not available on all vehicles.
The P0126 fault code can affect many vehicles, including Mazda 3 and Mazda 3, Ford, Chevrolet, Subaru, and Subaru.
Note: Mazda has several technical bulletins that address the fault code. This issue affects the 2018-2020 Mazda 6 (no Turbo) and 2018-2021 CX-5 (no Turbo). The bulletin suggests that the engine coolant control valve be replaced as a possible solution.
What causes the P0126 Fault code?
- – A defective engine thermostat
- – Defective engine coolant temperature sensor
- Problems with cables and connectors in the coolant temperature sensor (opened, shorted, or high resistance).
- – Affected intake air temperature sensor
- – Low engine coolant level
- – Defective cooling system
- – Defective engine cooling fan(s)
- – Foreign matter in engine coolant
- – Incorrect or unclean engine coolant
- – Defective PCM
What are the symptoms for the P0126 fault code?
You may experience the following symptoms if your vehicle has a code of P0126:
- – Illumination for the check engine light
- – Abnormal temperatures on the temperature indicator
- – Heating system that is not heated
- – Vehicle enters failsafe mode
- Fuel consumption could increase in some circumstances
- – Rarely no symptoms
How to Fix the P0126 Fault Code
- Road testing is necessary to determine if codes will be returned.
- – Repair damaged or frayed cables that are causing short circuits or open circuits
- – Repair of corrosion or loose connections
- – Replace the engine coolant if it is not present.
- – Make sure that the cooling fan works properly. If it fails, replace it. If it is left on, the coolant will not heat up.
- – Test the coolant temperature sensor and replace it if it fails
- – Replacing the defective thermostat
- – Replacing a defective intake air temperature sensor
