For 1990-2009 cars

# Insufficient Heat, Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On, DTC P0128 Set (Replace Thermostat Assembly)

Subject: | Insufficient Heat, Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On, DTC P0128 Set (Replace Thermostat Assembly)

Models: | 2002-2003 Saturn VUE Vehicles with 3.0L Engine (VIN B - RPO L81)

| 2002-2005 Saturn L-Series Vehicles with 3.0L Engine (VIN R - RPO L81)

Attention: | General Manager, Fixed Operations Manager, Parts Manager, and Technician

This bulletin is being revised to include the 2002-2005 L-Series, required parts, and updated part numbers. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-02-002 (Section 06 -- Engine).

### Condition

Some customers may comment on the SES light coming on and may notice insufficient heat from the heater. When this condition occurs, DTC P0128 may be set and stored by the Engine Control Module (ECM).

### Cause

The thermostat opening and regulating engine coolant at a temperature below specification may cause this condition.

### Correction

To diagnose and correct this condition, follow DTC P0128 diagnostics for the Saturn L-Series or VUE L81 V6 engine. 2002-2003 VUE (SI Document ID #1235478), 2002 L-Series (SI Document ID #1069904), 2003-2004 L-Series (SI Document ID #1229710), or 2005 L-Series (SI Document ID #1428908). Replace the thermostat assembly. Refer to "Thermostat Inlet Housing and Element - L81" removal and installation procedures in the "Cooling" section of the corresponding Engine Service Manual. (SI Document ID #1228216 Removal and SI Document ID #1054338 Installation)

### Parts Information

Part Number | Description | Qty
--- | --- | ---
24420653 | Thermostat Asm - Engine Coolant Note: Contains Thermostat Assembly only. Must also order Seal-Water Outlet O-Ring P/N 9129999 Qty (2) and Seal-Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing O-Ring P/N 24447061 (2nd design) or P/N 55353494 (3rd design). | 1
9129999 | Seal - Water Outlet (O-Ring) | 2
24447061 | Seal - Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing (O-Ring) Note: 2nd design seal. Grooved O-Ring with retention nibs and 2.0 X 2.8mm thickness. Use only with 2nd design housing P/N 24420652. | 1
55353494 | Seal - Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing (O-Ring) Note: 3rd design seal. Grooved O-Ring with retention nibs and 2.1 X 5.6mm thickness. Use only with 3rd design housing P/N 55353492. | 1
12346004 | Pipe Sealant w/PTFE | 1

### Claim Information

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for J3500 (Thermostat and/or Gasket, Engine-Replace).