I have installed two radiators in a short period of time

2005 TOYOTA CAMRY
65,000 MILES
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JWMONZINGO
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I just had a new radiator installed in my 2005 Toyota Camry. A day or two later my car overheated. The radiator was replaced in 2009, then again recently by the same garage.
Oct 10, 2011 at 3:25 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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What code was in the computer? Also, why was the radiator bad after such a short period of time?
Oct 10, 2011 at 4:54 PM
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JWMONZINGO
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I believe he said PO128....but I could be wrong. There had been problems with the "check engine" light coming off and on; however, it was on consistently when I took it in and never shut off the engine. The warranty on the first radiator was only a year. The replacement (possibly not original parts?) had a leak in the top near the cap at a weld or fold in the tank. We "split the cost" on the replacement radiator since it was so soon.
Oct 12, 2011 at 1:59 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That code is means the engine coolant temp below regulating temp. Basically, it isn't warming up enough. The thermostat could be stuck open. Has it ever been replaced?
Oct 12, 2011 at 2:37 AM
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JWMONZINGO
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I bought the car in 2007. I don't have record that the thermostat has been replaced in the time I've owned it.
Oct 12, 2011 at 1:53 PM
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JWMONZINGO
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I bought the car in 2007. I have no record that the thermostat has been replaced in the time I've owned it.
Oct 12, 2011 at 1:55 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That would be my next guess for the problem.
Oct 12, 2011 at 4:16 PM
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JWMONZINGO
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That would mean....? the faulty radiator CAUSES the thermostat to go bad? My original question was....at the time I had original problem with the radiator (or at anytime you replace a radiator), should you be thinking of replacing the thermostat at the same time because your upper hose is disconnected and fluids drained?
Oct 12, 2011 at 6:54 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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that would be the best time to change it. as far as the radiator causing the T-stat to go bad, no. However, a bad t-stat will cause overheating and may cause a radiator problem.
Oct 12, 2011 at 9:25 PM