AutoCodes – Ford – P0118 2016 Ford F150

P0118 2016 Ford F150 Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High

Quick Answer

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor is a thermistor device in which resistance changes with temperature. Common causes include Low engine coolant level, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor, Faulty engine coolant thermostat. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0118 2016 Ford F150 indicates Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High.
Common causes: Common causes include Low engine coolant level, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor, Faulty engine coolant thermostat.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 258

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 22, 2023

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0118 2016 Ford F150 Description

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor is a thermistor device in which resistance changes with temperature. The resistance of a thermistor decreases as the temperature increases, and the resistance increases as the temperature decreases. The varying resistance changes the voltage drop across the sensor pins and provides electrical signals to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) corresponding to temperature.
Thermistor-type sensors are considered passive sensors. A passive sensor is connected to a voltage divider network so varying the resistance of the passive sensor causes a variation in total current flow. The voltage that is dropped across a fixed resistor (pull-up resister) in series with the sensor resistor determines the voltage signal at the PCM. This voltage signal is equal to the reference voltage minus the voltage drop across the fixed resistor.
The ECT Sensor is located in an engine coolant passage and measures the engine coolant temperature. The PCM uses the engine coolant temperature input for fuel control and for cooling fan control. The ECT Sensor can be a threaded or twist lock type.
This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is set when the ECT Sensor signal is greater than the self-test maximum. The ECT Sensor signal maximum is -50° C (-58° F).

OBDII Code P0118 2016 Ford F150 - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High - AutoCodes.com — P0118 2016 Ford F150 Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0118 2016 Ford F150?

Low engine coolant level
Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
Faulty engine coolant thermostat
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0118 2016 Ford F150?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Start by checking for coolant leaks, and if there are no leaks, the thermostat might be stuck closed and need replacement. If the problem persists, change the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0118 2016 Ford F150 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0118 2016 Ford F150 code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0118 2016 Ford F150 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0118 in a 2016 Ford F150?

The common symptoms of OBDII code P0118 in a 2016 Ford F150 include engine overheating, poor fuel economy, rough idling, and a decrease in engine performance.

2. What causes the OBDII code P0118 "Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High" in a 2016 Ford F150?

The most common cause of OBDII code P0118 in a 2016 Ford F150 is a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor or a problem with the sensor circuit, causing it to read a high temperature all the time.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P0118 in my 2016 Ford F150?

To diagnose OBDII code P0118 in a 2016 Ford F150, you can use an OBDII scanner to check for the specific code, inspect the engine coolant temperature sensor and its wiring for any damage, and test the sensor's resistance to determine if it's faulty.

4. What are the possible repair options for OBDII code P0118 in a 2016 Ford F150?

The repair options for OBDII code P0118 in a 2016 Ford F150 include replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connections, and resetting the trouble code with an OBDII scanner.

5. Can I continue driving my 2016 Ford F150 with OBDII code P0118 active?

It is not recommended to continue driving your 2016 Ford F150 with OBDII code P0118 active, as it can lead to engine overheating, potential damage, and poor performance. It's best to address the issue promptly.

6. Will resetting the OBDII code P0118 in my 2016 Ford F150 make it go away permanently?

Resetting the OBDII code P0118 in your 2016 Ford F150 may make it go away temporarily, but if the underlying issue, such as a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor, is not fixed, the code is likely to return.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0118 in a 2016 Ford F150?

The cost to repair OBDII code P0118 in a 2016 Ford F150 can vary depending on the cause of the issue, but it generally ranges from $100 to $300, including parts and labor.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast replace the engine coolant temperature sensor to fix OBDII code P0118 in a 2016 Ford F150?

Yes, replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor to fix OBDII code P0118 in a 2016 Ford F150 is a relatively straightforward task that can be done by a DIY enthusiast with basic mechanical skills and the right tools.

9. Will a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor affect the performance of my 2016 Ford F150?

Yes, a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor can affect the performance of your 2016 Ford F150 by causing issues such as engine overheating, poor fuel economy, and rough idling due to incorrect temperature readings.

10. How long does it take to repair OBDII code P0118 in a 2016 Ford F150?

The repair time for OBDII code P0118 in a 2016 Ford F150 can vary depending on the extent of the issue and the repair process involved, but it typically takes around 1-2 hours to complete the repair.