I my way home from work today, I noticed my check engine light came on. I checked the fault code and it is a P1281. When I look that up, it says that my engine coolant temperature is to low. I have been noticing that when my engine idles, the heat in the car drops. When the engine revs, the heat goes up.

So does this mean my thermostat is probably stuck open? Could there be other causes?

I have noticed that my lower radiator hose is wet.

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LostRenegade - Lost # 477
2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade - Silver
Mopar Skids, Skid Row Tranny Skid, Boulder Bars, Frankenlift II, 60" Hi-Lift Jack, K&N 6x9 Air Filter, Magnaflow, Dertoit Locker, 245/75R16 BF Goodrich All Terrains, Al's A-Arms

You have a coolant leak,have the cooling system pressure tested to find the leak.Either the waterpump went or you have a crack in the radiator.Though it is not a bad idea to replace the t-stat as well since they do go bad after time,usually 3-4 years is the life span of a t-stat.A stuck closed t-stat will cause the engine to overheat,a stuck open t-stat will keep the engine from warming up and you are not getting either of those problems seperatly but both at the same time so you have a coolant leak.

The temp guage is staying right at the half way mark.

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LostRenegade - Lost # 477
2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade - Silver
Mopar Skids, Skid Row Tranny Skid, Boulder Bars, Frankenlift II, 60" Hi-Lift Jack, K&N 6x9 Air Filter, Magnaflow, Dertoit Locker, 245/75R16 BF Goodrich All Terrains, Al's A-Arms

usually caused by low coolant level...

No, my coolant seemed ok. I replaced the thermostat and lower radiator hose. So far so good.

_________________
LostRenegade - Lost # 477
2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade - Silver
Mopar Skids, Skid Row Tranny Skid, Boulder Bars, Frankenlift II, 60" Hi-Lift Jack, K&N 6x9 Air Filter, Magnaflow, Dertoit Locker, 245/75R16 BF Goodrich All Terrains, Al's A-Arms