I recently had an overheating problem in my 01, and narrowed it down to a failed thermostat. My temp gauge ran directly in the middle of 130 and 210 before replacement, so naturally, I assumed it already had a 180 stat in it. I replace it with a 180...and now it barely runs above 130. Now, I'm throwing P1281, engine too cold too long. I want to get this thing SCT tuned, but if I can't have a 180 stat....I feel screwed. I have attached a pic of my current operating temp. Thanks!

By the way, the stat I pulled out was a 192, but why would a 192 stat not run at the stock 210 marker on the gauge?

 

Thats right where mine ran with a 180* stat. I just changed back to a 192* today for better heat. I got the same code also. Sean, aka Hemifever, had told me a 180* was required for the SCT tunes he writes. Didnt tell others though. So I guess its up in the air.

BTW, I have a SCT and run 93 gas with the 91 tune. With the 192* stat in I havent noticed any detonation (pinging), yet. Hopefully I wont.

Edit to add: With the 192* my needle just barely touches the 2.

 

Double check coolant level. or Take it somewhere and have the coolant system flushed and pressure tested. My 180* stat runs at 180* mark. There could be blockages preventing proper flow or accurate temp to the sending unit. If you experienced overheating problems, you might have toasted the temp sending unit.

 

A couple months ago when it was warm out, my needle would be in the middle of the hash mark and the 2. Now that its colder, it was in the same position as OPs pic.

 

Halo, I'll test the sending unit. I've managed to get my hands on a snap on verus I do plan to change back to a 192 and go ahead and SCT tune.