well i've had my truck for a year now and i have put more money into it than anything. I replaced the thermostat less than 5K ago and yesterday as I was driving home the CEL came on and I checked it and it gave me the code P1281 which I know is engine is running to long cold and recommends thermostat. Can someone please give me another alternative besides it being a thermostat? Thanks by the way anyone want to buy a 2001 ram?

 

It is most likely the Tstat. Where did you buy it and what brand?

 

I picked it up from autozone and it's a OEM replacement. I wouldn't think it went bad already, i hardly drive anywhere.

 

You got it at AutoZone! It's junk. OEM replacement just means it is the same temp(195).

 

Around here all we have is an autozone some mom and pop place and the dealer. I just didn't want to pay dealer prices.

 

they can and do go bad. return it to autozone under warranty and look for their 'super stant' model. its about $10 and is a little better quality. i buy parts all the time at autozone. most of them are fine.

 

My post never showed up so if this is suddenly a double post I apologize.

I also buy parts at Autozone all the time (well, did before I moved across town, now it's Advance and O'Reilly). I've never had a problem.

 

It's not a problem as long as you get the premium parts they sell and not the cheapo stuff. I assume he got the cheap one and, well, nuff said.

 

Tru dat.

 

I've had no luck running a 180* T stat on my 2001. I've tried 6 different Brands. Make sure you get a 195*. A Stant SuperStat is a good one, they stock them regular at Pep Boys if you got one around.

Also, check out RockAuto.com for good deals too.