Check Engine Light code P0126 (sedan, sensor, Mazda, cylinders)

[cats234]

I looked around and it says Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation. I took it to Pep Boys and the guy said it's just a sensor and would be fine, and proceeded to erase the light. am I fine to drive it for a while? I am planning on getting a different car soon anyway.. any advice?

[iTsLiKeAnEgG]

It's always good to list a specific make, model, year when looking for automotive help.

[cats234]

sorry, its a 2006 mazda 6, sedan and 4 cylinders

[ukrkoz]

Possible causes
- Low engine coolant level
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor harness is open or shorted
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor electrical circuit poor connection
- Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
- Faulty engine coolant thermostat
When is the code detected?
The voltage sent to Engine Control Module (ECM) from the sensor is not practical, even when some time has passed after starting the engine.
Symptoms
- Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
P0126 Description
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is used to detect the engine coolant temperature. The sensor modifies a voltage signal from the Engine Control Module (ECM). The modified signal returns to the ECM as the engine coolant temperature input. The sensor uses a thermistor which is sensitive to the change in temperature. The electrical resistance of the thermistor decreases as temperature increases.
[LEFT][/LEFT]

[scottfs]

What was the temperature gauge showing? Normal? Was your coolant level normal?

All he probably did was erase the code. If the problem happened again on your next trip, I would think the sensor would throw the code again and you could decide what to do. If it doesn't throw the code again, probably not an issue.

[Gimme3steps]

Every time someone has a CEL question I think of this, especially after one of the chains clear the code.


TBBT S2E5 - Check engine light - YouTube

now back to your regularly scheduled program