AutoCodes – Nissan – P0118 2008 Nissan Sentra

P0118 2008 Nissan Sentra Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit High

Quick Answer

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is used to detect the engine coolant 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 2008 Nissan Sentra indicates Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 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 4,639

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 Jun 14, 2020

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0118 2008 Nissan Sentra Description

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is used to detect the engine coolant temperature. The sensor modifies a voltage signal from the Engine Control Module (ECM). The modified signal returns to the ECM as the engine coolant temperature input. The sensor uses a thermistor which is sensitive to the change in temperature. The electrical resistance of the thermistor decreases as temperature increases.

OBDII Code P0118 2008 Nissan Sentra - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit High - AutoCodes.com — P0118 2008 Nissan Sentra Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0118 2008 Nissan Sentra?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0118 2008 Nissan Sentra?

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

Check for coolant leaks first, if there are no leaks check to see if thermostat is opening and closing properly if its not replace thermostat if problem is still there coolant temperature sensor may need to be replaced.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0118 2008 Nissan Sentra 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 2008 Nissan Sentra 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 2008 Nissan Sentra Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0118 on a 2008 Nissan Sentra?

- Common symptoms include the engine running hotter than normal, the temperature gauge showing maximum reading, poor fuel economy, and potential engine overheating.

2. What does the OBDII code P0118 indicate on a 2008 Nissan Sentra?

- The code P0118 indicates a high voltage signal from the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, signaling that the engine coolant temperature is reading abnormally high.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0118 on a 2008 Nissan Sentra?

- Possible causes include a faulty ECT sensor, a damaged ECT sensor wiring harness, a corroded or loose connector, low coolant levels, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0118 on my 2008 Nissan Sentra?

- To diagnose, start by checking the coolant level, inspecting the ECT sensor and its wiring for any damage, testing the ECT sensor resistance, and scanning the ECM for any additional fault codes.

5. Can I continue driving my 2008 Nissan Sentra with OBDII code P0118?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with code P0118 as it can lead to engine overheating and potential damage. It is advised to address the issue promptly.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0118 on a 2008 Nissan Sentra?

- Repairs may involve replacing the faulty ECT sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, ensuring proper coolant levels, and clearing the code with an OBDII scanner.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code P0118 on a 2008 Nissan Sentra solve the issue?

- Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but if the underlying issue causing the high ECT sensor signal is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear.

8. Is it easy to replace the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on a 2008 Nissan Sentra?

- Replacing the ECT sensor on a 2008 Nissan Sentra is typically a straightforward task that can be done with basic tools. However, access to the sensor location may vary and require some disassembly.

9. Can a dirty or clogged cooling system cause OBDII code P0118 on a 2008 Nissan Sentra?

- While a dirty or clogged cooling system may not directly cause code P0118, it can lead to overheating issues that may trigger a high ECT sensor reading. Regular cooling system maintenance is recommended.

10. How long does it take to repair OBDII code P0118 on a 2008 Nissan Sentra?

- The repair time for code P0118 can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue and the expertise of the individual performing the repairs. In general, it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to complete the repair.