This weekend I'll be replacing the thermostat on my 3.2L 08' LR2. The engine is running cold and giving a P0128 error. I checked with my bluetooth OBD scanner and coolant temps are around 110F after driving for any time over 10 minutes.

Should I try replacing the $30 sensor (LR002582) first or are the odds high that it is actually the thermostat? Can anyone give me a heads up as to what I'm in for with getting to the thermostat? I just picked the car up a week ago and am not very familiar with it as of yet.

 

Here’s the big issue with Landrover Thermostats. The secondhand market sells these thermostats and they do not have the correct specs as far as the part determining if the vehicle is getting too hot. You “Must” purchase a thermostat from the dealer. The reason they are costing $30 online is because it’s a cheap part however, it is not a cheap part. The dealer charges $150 for the thermostat and there is a reason why they charge that amount. The part actually is made for the vehicle. The secondhand part is a cheap clone missing the correct specs in order to read the temperature of the vehicles engine. I have never once had a customer bring back a car after I have put a new thermostat into their car. I refuse to accept aftermarket parts if the customer decides to give it to me on the landrover. I’ll except aftermarket parts on any other vehicle except the landrover.

 

Take a look at this link it has more information about what to replace

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic32245.html

I agree with your assessment that aftermarket thermostats are not a good idea for the 3.2.

However the 3.2 was made in the UK at a FORD plant and it is used in many Volvo's as well as the LR2. So if you can get the Volvo part cheaper then that is a perfectly acceptable alternative. The only difference will be the box that the Thermostat comes in.

Volvo Thermostat

31355151 = LR006071

When the LR2 came out both Volvo and Land Rover were owned by FORD.

For my 2010 S80 3.2 it was cheaper to get a LAND ROVER thermostat so that is what I did.

The Thermostats seem to last about 10 years / 100,000 miles

Good luck

Paul

 

Same here. I replaced mine with a one with a Volvo part number. Exact same "specs" but cheaper.

 

It's probably the t-stat, not the sensor. Replace it asap, it's probably in pieces, and if the pieces circulate into the system it can break stuff.

Yes use Volvo or LR OEM for sure.

 

My fiance has a 2011 LR2 with a bad thermostat. However, on each of the "how-to's" nobody mentions exactly how to get at the lower two intake bolts (those that fix the throttle body in place). Does it require the removal of the steel skid plate under the engine? tr is there an alternate way to get at those bolts?

 

The skid plate is easy to remove, it has to be done at every oil change. You don't even have to jack up the vehicle but it will be tight under there unless one is very petite.

 

kruss,

To be completely honest if removing the steel skid plate is something that concerns you then you may want to let someone else repair the Thermostat.

To Merlin's point you may be able to get under your LR2 but the clearance is only about 9" but if you have some ramps then you can use those, a jack isn't a requirement but it will make working on your lr2 easier.

You should change the oil before you take on the Thermostat.

Start with something easy.

Note: I don't mean that you need weeks between the Oil change and Thermostat. The next day would be fine. But if you can't do something simple first then don't move on to something harder.

Good luck

Paul