AutoCodes – Generic – P0115

P0115 Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer

The engine coolant temperature sensor is used to monitor the engine coolant temperature. Common causes include Low engine coolant level, Faulty Engine Coolant Thermostat, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor. 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: P0115 indicates Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction.
Common causes: Common causes include Low engine coolant level, Faulty Engine Coolant Thermostat, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
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 52,667

How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium

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 Aug 23, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes ▶
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0115 Description

The engine coolant temperature sensor is used to monitor the engine coolant temperature. The engine coolant temperature sensor has a thermistor with a resistance that varies according to the temperature of the engine coolant. When the coolant temperature is low, the resistance in the thermistor increases. When the temperature is high, the resistance drops. These variations in resistance are reflected in the output voltage from the sensor. The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the sensor voltage and uses this value to calculate the engine coolant temperature. When the sensor output voltage deviates from the normal operating range, the ECM interprets this as a fault in the engine coolant temperature sensor circuit and stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).

OBDII Code P0115 - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — P0115 Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0115?

Low engine coolant level
Faulty Engine Coolant Thermostat
Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
Engine Coolant Temperature sensor harness is open or shorted
Engine Coolant Temperature sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0115?

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 the engine coolant level at the coolant reservoir, a low level may indicate a coolant leak. If the coolant level is correct, you should replace the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor to fix the problem. The Engine Coolant Thermostat must be replaced every time there is a repair with the coolant system.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0115 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 P0115 code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P0115 Acura — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Out of Range
P0115 Buick — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0115 Cadillac — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0115 Chevrolet — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0115 Chrysler — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Performance
P0115 Dodge — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Performance
P0115 GMC — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0115 Honda — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Out of Range
P0115 Hummer — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0115 Hyundai — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction
P0115 Infiniti — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Signal Range/Performance
P0115 Jeep — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Performance
P0115 KIA — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit
P0115 Lexus — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction
P0115 Mazda — Engine Coolant Temperature Signal Out of Range
P0115 Mercedes-Benz — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit
P0115 Mitsubishi — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction
P0115 Nissan — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Signal Range/Performance
P0115 Pontiac — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0115 Saturn — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0115 Scion — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction
P0115 Toyota — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction

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 P0115 Code

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Eddie
Date: June 13, 2017 at 7:24 pm

My 2001 nissan quest fan stays on all the time when im driving. What can be the problem? I got a p0115 code but i can't find the coolant temperature sensor?

Reply to Comment
OBDIITech
Date: June 13, 2017 at 11:05 pm

The first step is to check the coolant level. Make sure there are no coolant leaks. If no coolant leaks are found, you may have to replace the "Coolant Temperature Sensor" See attached image for sensor location.

Click here to enlarge image

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