So I stopped at AutoZone with the van cause the Service Engine Soon light came on. I figured it was because it was 20 degrees out and I never shut it off when I filled it up with gas.....just wanted to be pre-cautious. Gramps thought it was cause I had the hood open and looked at the wiper arms. LOL

They scaned it and gave us this code P0128. Stated that:

Definition: Coolant temp is always low

Explanation: The PCM verifies that the engine is at proper operating temperature.

Probable Cause:
~Check coolant level
~Thermostat defective
~ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor defective

The guy was so quick to jump and refer us to a mechanic because "you need a head gasket." We are just a little concerned because our mechanic is closed till the first of the year and they stressed that it should not be moved due to this condition.

Please help us out here. I just might rent them a car until the van can be fixed.

How does a bad thermostat become a bad head gasket?

id roll more on the side of a bad temp sensor.....if the thermostat was bad it would under or overheat...and if it was a bad gasket it would also under/overheat and also some may not start with bad head gasket