Installed a 180 degree stat awhile ago the same time I replaced the plenum and gave tuneup. Just went back to the stock 195. Got sick of the check engine light throwing codes. Seemed like it would throw a code every two days. From what I've read, out of all the 2nd gen trucks, the 2001 seems to do this the most. Dodge must have done something a bit different with the computer.

Now, since returning to the 195 thermostat, the truck runs better and the pinging has stopped. I feel its running better and expect to get better gas mileage. Maybe due to the computer not throwing so much fuel in combustion due to it now reading it has warmed up fully.

Anybody's 2001 not throw the codes?

 

I'm about to drop to a 180* stat... So, I'm curious about your situation..

Did you use a tune taking into consideration the lower stat temps or did you rely on your existing computer in hopes it would adjust sufficiently?

What, other than CEL and pinging was going on? What were the codes for the CEL?

Thanks in advance dude..

 

It kept throwing the p1281 code meaning engine not up to operating temp. I have the SCT tuner from hemifever. It deffinatly ran very cool with the 180 stat. I recently moved to Florida, they run alot more ethonel in the gas so I think that has contributed to the pinging but it has all but went away with the stock stat.

Everyone has had different luck with installing their 180 stat, but I believe more of the people with 2001 trucks have been throwing the code than the others.

I talked to one guy who said just cover up the engine light with black electrical tape.
I'm pretty happy with the stock stat now and won't be going back.

 

or take the bulb out of the cluster

 

what temp was your 180 stat running ? 180, or something less ?

i've run a 180 in a 2001 for about 4 years now. no CEL. However, i've always had either a hypertech or superchips program installed. that might cause it to accept the 180 without complaint.

 

I just put a 180 in mine last week because the truck was running at 240 when on the interstate. I have not had any codes yet but its not cold outside eather.

 

It was just over the first line. It never would get any hotter. When it was colder it would sometimes not even go over the first line. I guess it could have been defective but not sure.

 

there's a low line i'd call about 140-150

the first line of the normal zone, i'd call about 160-165.
if you were around this line, you had a bad t-stat.

my 180 runs about 1/2 way between low normal and straight up.
the red needle is just touching the corner of the 2.
i tested mine in a pot of water on the stove and verified it cracked open just below 180 and was full open at 180.

 

my 180 runs at close to 190 on the gauge..

 

If your truck is running at 240 in the freeway, isn't there a bigger underlying issue that your avoiding.