Volkswagen P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit High

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0118 Volkswagen

Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0118 Volkswagen definition:
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor screwed into a coolant passage in the cylinder head. Sensor resistance is high when coolant temperature is low and resistance drops when coolant temperature increases. The powertrain control module (PCM) provides a 5 volt reference and a ground to the sensor. The PCM monitors voltage drop to determine coolant temperature. If the ECT reads less than freezing temp. when engine has been running for more than a few minutes, the PCM determines a circuit fault and sets this code. Or if the PCM determines the sensor resistance is out of specs, this code is set.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0118 Volkswagen
Symptoms of a P0118 Volkswagen could include: Very poor fuel economy A no start condition Vehicle may start, but run very poorly, blowing black smoke, running very rough and misfiring Illumination of MIL

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0118 Volkswagen
A code P0118 Volkswagen may mean that one or more of the following has happened: A bad connection at the sensor An open in the ground circuit between the ECT sensor and the PCM A short in the voltage feed between the sensor and the PCM A bad PCM (less likely) A bad temperature sensor (shorted internally)

Possible Solutions

First, if you have access to a scan tool, check the reading of the coolant sensor. Does it read a logical number? If so, the problem is likely intermittent. Perform a “wiggle” test by wiggling the connector and harness to the sensor while watching the reading on the scan tool. Watch for any drop-outs. Drop-outs would indicate a bad connection. If the scan tool reads an illogical temperature, check the resistance of the temperature sensor. If it is out of specs, replace it. If it is in specifications, unplug the sensor and, using a fused jumper wire, jumper the two terminals of the connector together. The temperature reading should now be maxed out to above 250 degrees F. If not, there is likely a problem with the ground circuit or voltage supply. Check for 5 volts reference voltage at the connector. Also check for ground presence at the connector. If you do not have 5V ref. and/or ground continuity, check for these back at the PCM connector. If you have these at the PCM connector, then repair open or short between the PCM and the sensor. If you do not, remove the offending wire from the PCM and then check for proper voltage at the PCM pin. If it’s present now, repair short on the circuit. If it isn’t present after removing the wire and checking the pin, replace PCM NOTE: Usually, P0118 Volkswagen is indicative of a bad temperature sensor, but doesn’t rule out these other possibilities. If you’re unsure of how to diagnose a PCM, do not attempt.

Related Codes

P0115 Volkswagen P0116 Volkswagen P0117 Volkswagen P0118 Volkswagen P0119 Volkswagen P0125 Volkswagen P0128 Volkswagen


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Volkswagen:

2013 Volkswagen e-Co-Motion Concept,2013 Volkswagen Up 4-door,2013 Volkswagen Up,2013 Volkswagen Touareg Edition X,2013 Volkswagen Scirocco GTS,2013 Volkswagen Santana,2013 Volkswagen Polo R WRC,2013 Volkswagen Polo BlueGT,2013 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack,2013 Volkswagen Lavida,2013 Volkswagen Kombi Last Edition,2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid,2013 Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept,2013 Volkswagen Golf Plus Life,2013 Volkswagen Golf Mk VII UK-Version,2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet,2013 Volkswagen Golf,2013 Volkswagen Gol 2-door,2013 Volkswagen Eco Up,2013 Volkswagen Caddy Cross,2012 Volkswagen Tiguan,2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI,2012 Volkswagen Beetle,2011 Volkswagen eT Concept,2011 Volkswagen e-Up Concept,2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept,2011 Volkswagen Touran,2011 Volkswagen Touareg,2011 Volkswagen Sharan,2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI,2011 Volkswagen Phaeton,2011 Volkswagen Jetta,2011 Volkswagen Eos,2011 Volkswagen CrossTouran,2011 Volkswagen CrossPolo,2011 Volkswagen CrossGolf,2011 Volkswagen Amarok,2010 Volkswagen Polo,2010 Volkswagen Golf,2009 Volkswagen Phaeton,2009 Volkswagen Golf,2009 Volkswagen Gol,2008 Volkswagen Phaeton,2008 Volkswagen Golf Variant,2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept,2008 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion,2007 Volkswagen Up Concept,2007 Volkswagen Touran,2007 Volkswagen Touareg,2007 Volkswagen Eos,2006 Volkswagen Rabbit,2006 Volkswagen Passat,2006 Volkswagen Jetta,2006 Volkswagen Eos,2006 Volkswagen CrossPolo,2005 Volkswagen Touareg,2005 Volkswagen Golf,2005 Volkswagen Fox,2004 Volkswagen RaceTouareg,2004 Volkswagen Golf,2004 Volkswagen Concept T,2004 Volkswagen Concept C,2003 Volkswagen Touran,2003 Volkswagen Passat

 

Note:

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