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P0118Severity: Medium

P0118 – Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor High Input

The ECT sensor reports a high (open-circuit) signal.

What it means

The coolant temperature sensor voltage is very high (reads too cold). If the engine seems permanently cold, the mixture richens.

Symptoms

  • Check-engine light
  • High fuel use
  • Hard hot start
  • Gauge reads cold

Common causes

  • Open wiring
  • Faulty ECT sensor
  • Connector corrosion
  • Low coolant

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Frequently asked questions

What does trouble code P0118 mean?

P0118 – Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor High Input. The coolant temperature sensor voltage is very high (reads too cold). If the engine seems permanently cold, the mixture richens.

Can I drive with a P0118 code?

You can usually drive short distances, but it's best to have it checked before it gets worse.

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