P0118 Acura Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit High

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0118 Acura

Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High

What does this mean?

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

The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Acura:

2014 Acura RLX,2014 Acura MDX,2013 Acura SUV-X Concept,2013 Acura RDX,2013 Acura NSX Concept,2013 Acura MDX Concept,2013 Acura ILX Endurance Racer,2013 Acura ILX,2012 Acura TL,2012 Acura RLX Concept,2012 Acura NSX Concept,2012 Acura ILX Street Build Concept,2012 Acura ILX Concept,2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon,2011 Acura TSX Sedan,2010 Acura ZDX,2010 Acura TSX V6,2010 Acura RDX,2010 Acura MDX,2009 Acura ZDX Concept,2009 Acura TSX,2009 Acura TL,2009 Acura RL,2007 Acura TSX,2007 Acura TL Type-S,2007 Acura TL,2007 Acura RDX,2007 Acura MDX,2007 Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept,2006 Acura RDX Prototype,2006 Acura MD-X Concept,2006 Acura Advanced Sedan Concept,2005 Acura TSX A-Spec Concept,2005 Acura TSX,2005 Acura TL,2005 Acura RSX Type-S,2005 Acura RSX A-Spec Concept,2005 Acura RSX,2005 Acura RL with ASPEC Performance Package,2005 Acura RL ASPEC Concept,2005 Acura RL,2005 Acura RDX Concept,2005 Acura NSX,2005 Acura MDX,2004 Acura TL with ASPEC Performance Package,2004 Acura TL 25 Hours of Thunderhill,2004 Acura RL Prototype,2004 Acura 3.2 TL,2003 Acura TL ASPEC Concept,2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S,2002 Acura NSX sketches,2001 Acura NSX-T,2001 Acura Integra

Note:

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