On the latest generation of Chevrolet Sonic T300 engines, it is quite common to encounter problems with thermostats, their housings and sensors. The onboard computer can show error code 89 on the onboard display, and when you connect a scanner or a laptop through an adapter, you get error code P0597. We solve this problem radically.
Let’s briefly consider why error P0597 occurs on the Chevrolet Sonic t300 and what it can lead to if the issue is not fixed in time. First, about sad things.
Ignoring error 89 (P0597), we jeopardize the temperature regime of the engine. This is fraught not only with frequent overheating, but also with the failure of a number of parts:
The electronic engine control unit controls the thermostat using pulse width modulation signals. The Chevrolet Sonic t300 has an antifreeze heater in the thermostat housing. It regulates the coolant flow and controls the temperature mode.
The ECU must permanently supply 12 V to the thermostat and control the heater by connecting it to the engine ground. Connection is made via semiconductor signal conditioner. It has a feedback circuit connected to the common 12 V supply.
The ECU controls the entire unit by reading the heater feedback voltage. Thanks to this circuit, ECU easily calculates the functionality of the whole thermostat and can detect both short to ground and open circuit, which is signaled to the driver with a fault code.
Also, if we have a scanner or PC at hand, in addition to the error P0597 we can get related error codes – P0598 and P0599.
These are clarifying codes, which can be decoded as follows:
In short, it is clear that when code 89 or error P0597 appears on the BC display on the Sonic T300, our task is to check or get rid of the antifreeze heater, if possible.
Unfortunately, this is not the only problem with this thermostat. The same problem accompanies owners of not only Sonic, but also Chevrolet Cruze and a number of other models with similar Opel family tree.
Another issue is the plastic thermostat housing. Its quality and the quality of the rubber seals do not stand up to criticism. After 20-25 thousand miles, the thermostat bodies start to bleed antifreeze from all possible slots.
Fighting the leak, as a rule, does not bring success, so the only true solution in this situation is to replace the plastic housing with a metal one.
There are also questions about the thermostat valve. As standard, it opens at 104 °C and cycles through the temperature range down to the lower limit of 98 °C. In theory, the mechanical valve is installed as a backup if the electrical part fails.
However, many people deliberately decide to buy a thermostat housing without a heater, saving themselves from future problems with electronics. This is what a thermostat enclosure like the one shown in the photo is for.
And so that the electronic control unit does not resent the absence of the heater, a jumper is installed on the terminal block. Faults in the electrical part occur against the background of a constantly turned on radiator cooling fan.
In this mode of constant work, it will not last long – the bearings will crumble. It is possible to put a new fan, but it will meet the same fate as the previous one, if the issue is not solved radically. To prevent the fan from working in emergency mode, some changes are made in the firmware of the electronic control unit, which will get rid of such issues forever.
Yes, many people also prefer to install a cooler thermostat with an opening temperature of 92 °C on the Chevrolet Sonic. For example, the Borg Wagner, which has no heater.
This is what we get if we put the thermostat without heating and correct the firmware:
Однак, перед такою роботою варто перевірити нагрівач термостата. Тестування проводимо у такому порядку:
Or do as described above – throw out the heater and install Borg Wagner thermostat valve without heating element. If there is no possibility to flash the ECU, between the contacts of the heater pad install a resistance (150 ohms) or a relay.
The job of replacing either the thermostat housing or the valve itself with the heating element (or without it, as desired) is done in an hour with a good tool and straight hands.
Replacement will require new gaskets and gaskets, which can be found by catalog numbers:
And also those elements which we are going to change – thermostat body, antifreeze distributor body (plastic or metal), thermostat for 92 or 104 degrees and, probably, sealant.
First we drain the antifreeze into the prepared container by removing the socket on the body.
When the antifreeze drains (it is about 350-400 g), take the branch pipe aside.
Remove the expansion tank, so it does not interfere. It is not necessary to disconnect it, just take it aside.
Unscrew the 4 thermostat mounting bolts and remove the valve and heater assembly.
All that remains is to check the condition of the gaskets and install a new thermostat. Connecting everything in place, pouring antifreeze, checking the system’s operation.
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