Kia P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit High

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0118 Kia

Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0118 Kia 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 Kia
Symptoms of a P0118 Kia 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 Kia
A code P0118 Kia 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 Kia 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 Kia P0116 Kia P0117 Kia P0118 Kia P0119 Kia P0125 Kia P0128 Kia

The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Kia:

2013 Kia Sorento,2013 Kia Provo Concept,2013 Kia Niro Concept,2013 Kia K9,2013 Kia Cross GT Concept,2013 Kia Ceed SW,2013 Kia Ceed,2013 Kia Carens,2013 Kia CUB Concept,2012 Kia Soul,2012 Kia Rio,2012 Kia Ray,2012 Kia Picanto,2012 Kia K2,2012 Kia Grand VQ-R,2011 Kia Sportage,2011 Kia Sorento,2011 Kia Pro Ceed,2011 Kia Optima Hybrid,2011 Kia Optima,2011 Kia Naimo Concept,2011 Kia KV7 Concept,2011 Kia GT Concept,2011 Kia Cadenza,2010 Kia Venga,2010 Kia Soul,2010 Kia Sorento,2010 Kia POP Concept,2010 Kia Forte Koup,2010 Kia Forte,2010 Kia Ceed SW,2010 Kia Ceed,2009 Kia VG Concept,2009 Kia Soul,2009 Kia Optima,2009 Kia No3 Concept,2009 Kia Magentis,2009 Kia Borrego,2008 Kia eco ceed Concept,2008 Kia Pro-cee-d,2008 Kia Picanto,2008 Kia KOUP Concept,2007 Kia cee-d,2007 Kia Rondo,2007 Kia Kue Concept,2007 Kia Carens,2006 Kia Sportage,2006 Kia Spectra

 

Note:

1. The list of automotive Makes at the right edge of the screen. The currently selected ODB-ii codes is for the Kia makes.

2. Look up the other OBD II Trouble Codes, please use the search box. Enter the 5 character trouble codes in the search box and submit the search.

3. Don’t assume a particular OBD-II code means the same for other auto manufacturers as there are many makes specific codes in use.

4. If your OBD-II trouble codes are for a different car, select that vehicle series before searching for the diagnostic codes because not all OBD2 codes used by one manufacture are used by the other makes.

5. The information contained on this site is presented for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any actions you take on your vehicle. If you have any doubt as to repairs on your vehicle, please contact your technician.