2002 GTP EngineThermo/Fuel Filter

[BlueGTP]

I recently took in my 2002 Grand Prix GTP in the dealer b/c my "service engine" light came on, they checked it out & said I needed a new Engine Thermostat ($250parts/labor), Fuel Filter & flushing of my fuel injectors ($185parts/labor), I'm trying to see if thier is an alternative way I can get this done cheaper, or if anyone happens to know the actual GM part no. or if a differnt maker would be good enough.

The noted the scan code to be "P0128, P0300 trace codes to Low Engine Temperature, random misfire needs engine thermostate. Needs fuel filter and fuel injectors serviced"

My mileage is 79,429

[JonJon68]

I can't speak for the latter but a thermostat is less than 10 bucks and it takes me only 15 minutes to change mine out. Very simple on these cars.

[BlueGTP]

Can I use any type of maker or should it be a GM part?

[JonJon68]

For a thermostat, I use AC Delco or aftermarket Stant Superstat brand. I've also used whatever the local auto parts store have in stock and I've haven't had any problems. I think there's directions in the "Tips and Maintenance" section of this forum.

[doctorhrdware]

The fuel filter you can do yourself also, it is not that hard to do. For the injector cleaning I use Seafoam or I use Lucas injector cleaner.

[JonJon68]

$250.00 to replace a thermostat is highway robbery unless there's something we're missing here.

[CrazyHorst]

I would have to agree. 10mm socket for removing the water outlet. 7mm box wrench and a few paper towels for bleeding air from the upper water jackets.

[BNaylor]

It would help if you post your mileage and what diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) set off the SES/CEL light.

[Icanfixit]

250 is about right if your car is equiped with the 3100 V6. Its a PITA to get out. I have to do one tomorrow and from what I can tell, I'm gunna have to remove the throttle body, possiblly the exhaust crossover pipe. Unless some body here chimes in and let me know a easier way.

[JonJon68]

The OP has a 3.8 supercharged so the thermostat is about as easy as it gets.

[tblake]

Originally Posted by Icanfixit

250 is about right if your car is equiped with the 3100 V6. Its a PITA to get out. I have to do one tomorrow and from what I can tell, I'm gunna have to remove the throttle body, possiblly the exhaust crossover pipe. Unless some body here chimes in and let me know a easier way.

Just the throttle body needs to come off on the 3100 V6. Then you can access the two t-stat housing bolts with a 13mm wrench. Make sure to replace the t-body gasket. It shouldnt take more than an hour. Plus it would be a good time to clean out your t-body and iac bore from carbon buildup.

[BNaylor]

I recall removing the crossover heat shield may help some but you do not have to remove the crossover pipe in its entirety on a 3100 or 3400 V6. Also, one of the bolt holes in the thermostat housing is slotted meaning all you have to do is loosen the bolt and not remove it completely. I think it was the lower bolt.

[tblake]

Thats right Bob, the lower bolt, closer to the firewall. I forgot to mention.....

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by tblake

Thats right Bob, the lower bolt, closer to the firewall. I forgot to mention.....

Thanks for confirming that Tim.

[Icanfixit]

I got it swapped out today, The books say it takes 2.5 hrs to remove and replace, and It took me about an 1.5 hr to do it. I was taking my time making sure nothing got broke or forgotten during R/R. I took the heat shield off and removed the heater core cross over tube also, just to get it out of the way. No big deal. Now they have heat because the old thermo was stuck open.
I did replace the Throttle body gasket. So its all good.