OBD Guide
ENFRDEESPT

P0118

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High

P0118 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High. Common causes: coolant temperature sensor malfunction, sensor wiring short circuit to power. Estimated repair cost: $6–44.

Severity
⚠️ Medium
Can you drive?
Do not drive — repair immediately
Approx. repair cost
$6–44 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Unstable engine operation at idle
  • Difficulty starting the engine
  • Inaccurate temperature readings on the dashboard
  • Constant operation of the cooling fan
  • Black smoke from the exhaust pipe
  • Engine knock

Causes

  • Coolant temperature sensor malfunction
  • Sensor wiring short circuit to power
  • Break in the ground wire of the sensor
  • Corrosion or oxidation of connector contacts
  • Engine ECU malfunction
  • Wiring harness damage
  • Incorrect installation or mounting of the sensor

How to Fix

  1. Check the level and condition of the coolant
  2. Visually inspect the coolant temperature sensor and its connector
  3. Measure the resistance of the sensor with a multimeter
  4. Check the integrity of the wiring from the sensor to the ECU
  5. Clean connector contacts from corrosion
  6. Replace the faulty coolant temperature sensor
  7. Clear errors from ECU memory
  8. Carry out a test drive to check the problem has been resolved

Related codes

P0117P0119P0125P0128P2185

Error P0118 by Vehicle Brand

AcuraAudiBAICBMWBYDBuickCadillacChanganCheryChevroletChryslerCitroenDodgeDongfengExeedFAWFordForthingFotonGACGMGMCGeelyGreat WallHavalHondaHongqiHyundaiInfinitiJACJaecooJaguarJeepJetourKaiyiKiaLadaLexusLi AutoLifanLincolnLivanMazdaMercedes-BenzMercuryMitsubishiNIONissanOldsmobileOmodaOpelPeugeotPlymouthPontiacRenaultSWMSaturnSkodaSkywellSubaruSuzukiTankToyotaVolkswagenVolvoVoyahXPengZeekrZotye

FAQ

What does the P0118 code mean?

P0118 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High

What causes a P0118 error code?

The most common causes of P0118 include: Coolant temperature sensor malfunction; Sensor wiring short circuit to power; Break in the ground wire of the sensor; Corrosion or oxidation of connector contacts.

How do I fix a P0118 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix P0118: Check the level and condition of the coolant. Visually inspect the coolant temperature sensor and its connector. Measure the resistance of the sensor with a multimeter. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with P0118?

Do not drive — repair immediately

How much does it cost to fix P0118?

The estimated repair cost for P0118 is $6–44. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

FRDEESPT

See also: Russian version · NationStat