Electronic thermostat!?! OK then... Let's come along with Eric O. at the SMA shop as he has a look at this Chevrolet Sonic that is throwing a code P0599 "Thermostat Heater Control Circuit High"
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50 thoughts on “Chevy sonic – p0599 thermostat heater control circuit high”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard broadis says:

    Just to let you know, I owned a Chevy Trax that had the same problem in Canada cost me 600.00 to fix got rid of gms junk

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dj Wilson says:

    The part you need is $12.95, but it comes welded to a part that is $183.16. 🤣

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joshua Scholar says:

    Mine just threw the code and measures 1 ohms, so I know what I'm replacing. Thank you!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars nicolas luna says:

    I already made my first sonic same trouble code

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars hardmack says:

    For those looking for a recent comment. Just dealt with this, the seal inside the front thermostat housing (which also holds the thermostat itself) fails, allowing coolant into the void where the 30a heater circuit terminals reside, creating the short. The newest revision of the entire thermostat housing has been cast in aluminum for the 1.8l addressing most of the past issues on these older sonics; makes it way easier to replace just the thermostat housing. Another touch point for the sonic's is the engine coolant temperature sensor which is on the back of the engine coolant housing (the big heart thing lol) Daewoo was somewhat smart on these things. When mine went, the evap purge and intake air sensors went wonky as well.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robie Lena says:

    This is the only video I’ve seen that really explained this issue on a Chevy sonic. I have had this issue for over a year and a half. The mechanic I brought it to was recommended to me by a coworker. The guy is a hacker. Changed the water pump the thermostat and thermostat housing. After 1200$ the code still comes on he’s been trying to figure this out for a year and a half.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Than Oliver says:

    the parts are from where ever but those sonics are assembled in Orion Township, Michigan.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Good diag with a simple test light Eric O definitely looks like a Bad Thermostat being 1.5 ohms too low on-resistance super high amp and Current @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ready to Rock says:

    From peru 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Crushr Reviews says:

    Great video, I was thinking of changing mine due to code P0599 (heater control circuit high) but after watching your video I’m wondering if I could fix that by simply replacing the heating element since it comes off by removing that retainer clip. The housing itself is intact and not leaking coolant, so why should I change the whole assembly. Correct me if I’m wrong. Do you think I can fix my code by replacing the heating element?

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TheRealSh1zz4m says:

    looks like im jamming a test light in mine to pass inspection! THANKS

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DJ says:

    great video

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Albert Eller says:

    If you are going to shut the camera off every time you change your part I don’t think I want to watch your shows goodbye.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tj Turner says:

    Those sonics are the worst things in the world….

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Evangelia Alexander says:

    I have the same code on my 2014 Chevy Cruze manual .how do I fix that please help

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Diane P says:

    Can I safely drive the car till I get my son to fix it?

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Drew Bork says:

    Good video though Thanks

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Drew Bork says:

    Let’s see if mine works if not we’ll get a gm lmao

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Drew Bork says:

    I paid $24 for mine lmao 😂

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Drew Bork says:

    I gotta do my thermostat I got the whole unit now gotta put it on

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shane Harrison says:

    Finally built a better mouse trap

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gabriel resendez says:

    So if its all one part then if you get a p0599 its replace that thermostat assembly or god forbid the ecm?

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan Dolan says:

    Good Video. I do want to say that they sell just the thermostat and its much simpler to change. One hose and 4 bolts.

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JESUS ALBERTO MARTINEZ VAZQUEZ says:

    Hello!
    I change thermostat, two days later change connector of heater system … Then Code 89 is one more time!

    Somebody knows how reset It?

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Last says:

    When a $10 thermostat just won't do….

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mehrdad Zs says:

    When I put the thermostat in hot water and measure the sensor resistance, there is not different with room temperature!! Its still around the 15.2!!
    Do you think the sensor has still problem? I recently replaced thermostat housing. I dont have any error code , only my low and medium fan speed when temperature reach to 225 f, doesn't work and my car overheats. When I disconnect the sensor, fan works high speed.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Greig says:

    You know your stuff good video…..

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ZX10 Sanity says:

    I would not have figured this one out without you and this video. On my 2015 Sonic 1.8, I had a P0599 but I could not get the test light to light up. I went through and tested with a pigtail socket and bulb and was trying to command it with my Launch Mini ProS and it showed the same malfunction but I could not get the bulb to light which was a fairly large 921 bulb.

    I went to the wiring diagram and checked the ground wire from the ecm to the thermostat for resistance and then load tested it as well and it tested good. I also tested the power wire with the test light from the power side of the circuit to the negative on the battery and it was good also. Once you mentioned the resistance values, I checked the resistance of that bulb and it was 2.5ohms and the thermostat was at 1.5ohm so I replaced the 921 with a 194 mini bulb that had a resistance of about 5 ohms, the test then worked like yours in the video and the "malfunction" on the scan tool went away and ended up being just a bad thermostat as well. You tested the new oem part and it showed 15 ohms so somewhere between 2.5 and 5ohms is the limit in the ecm resistance check on that circuit.

    I installed a new thermostat and all is good! Thanks, Eric.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars YH says:

    Great analysis Eric. Excellent job identifying the ECM was functioning normally. You saved the customer big bucks

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tim Spykerman says:

    I usually tell how old the particular episode is by the condition of the bill on your cap is. The more tattered the bill more recent the video.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Doe says:

    GM: Lets take a simple $10 wax pellet thermostat and turn it into a $200 plastic heart monstrosity.
    But sir, why?!
    Because we are GM. We're like your crazy ex-girlfriend. Take a simple thing, and make it unnecessarily complex! 😂😂

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Vitler says:

    Just seen this video like 3 years to late. I work for Vauxhall in the UK. We have this engine and the 1.6 variant in most of our models and we change theses thermostats every week. You can just get the front half of the thermostat on its own without all the housing on the back. Much easier and quicker. They are crap design. Anyway love the videos whilst on lockdown. Cheers Dr O.

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brett Paulakos says:

    Loved my Vantage Pro Mine finally died and snapon wouldn't do anything….

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Ziegmond says:

    Dad worked for Fisher Body 56.4 years. /i worked for them as a temp. We both always asked WTF were the engineers thinking.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars horseshoe says:

    Thank you for posting this video. My sister's Cruze was giving the same code with the same engine. I will be test the resistance of that heater tonight.

    I've also found just the thermostat and gooseneck, with heater by Stant. In all actuality, it wouldn't surprise me if Stant makes the OE.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peter Garofolo says:

    The Sonic is made in Korea.

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Frank Meade says:

    Can i just disconnect the heater control wire and live without it?

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars حمیدرضا گلی قادی says:

    خیلی خوب بود وجالب

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard Crocker says:

    Omg ok we get it..its shorted get on w it goooooowwwd

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J Kulley says:

    i have a 2012 sonic with the 1.4, it keeps going through thermostats.
    my shop put in 3 thermostats in a year. and now having insufficient heat to the cab, and I am guessing its the thermostat again.. jw if u have any ideas why this would be happening?

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nick Parker says:

    Thanks for the video man. I would have followed the flow chart lol and made a mistake…

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Esteban Amador says:

    Thank you man!!!! I was looking for the resistance of the heater. Great video and info, thanks again.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars CrowOfTruth says:

    Thanks mate
    Saved me a few min which is priceless to me nowadays

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars eckoecho says:

    I replaced the thermostat and the housing and the check engine light came back on with the same code (even after disconnecting the + side of the battery to clear the code.) I never see it leaking coolant but its always running low. Any thoughts on what it could be?

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ekent1 says:

    Could a short in the thermostat cause other electrical issues? I have this code along with problems starting the vehicle, battery, alternator, starter all check good.

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mauricio Coura says:

    I already replaced the whole thermostat and sensor on a Chevy sonic 2012 1.4 Turbo. However the code P0599 is still coming ON and OFF intermittently. Can anybody help? What else could be causing this code? I would really appreciate if somebody could help out. Thank you

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Julio Gonzalez says:

    What was the part that he replaced called?

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Crazy_Ivan43 says:

    You just saved me a lot of trouble. I have a 12' Sonic 1.8L code P0599 going off. Checked ohms across heat element …… 4…. Balls

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mauricio Coura says:

    I have the same code on my chevy sonic 2012 1.4 Turbo. I replaced the thermostat and housing and the code is still coming on and off. Any ideas please??

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeremy Goulet says:

    What diagnostic tablet you using and how much for one? LInk…

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