AutoCodes – Toyota – P0118 2008 Toyota Prius

P0118 2008 Toyota Prius Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input

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 Toyota Prius indicates Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input.
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 7,352

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 Toyota Prius 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 Toyota Prius - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input - AutoCodes.com — P0118 2008 Toyota Prius Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0118 2008 Toyota Prius?

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 Toyota Prius?

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

If there are no coolant leaks, replace the thermostat first, if problem is still there check/replace coolant temperature sensor.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0118 2008 Toyota Prius 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 Toyota Prius 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 Toyota Prius Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0118 in a 2008 Toyota Prius?

The common symptoms of code P0118 in a 2008 Toyota Prius include engine overheating, inaccurate temperature gauge readings, and possibly a check engine light on the dashboard.

2. What does the OBDII code P0118 in a 2008 Toyota Prius indicate?

Code P0118 indicates that there is a high input signal from the engine coolant temperature sensor circuit in a 2008 Toyota Prius, suggesting a potential issue with the coolant temperature sensor or its wiring.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0118 in a 2008 Toyota Prius?

Possible causes of code P0118 in a 2008 Toyota Prius include a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor, a damaged sensor wiring harness, a malfunctioning thermostat, or low coolant levels.

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P0118 in my 2008 Toyota Prius?

Diagnosing code P0118 involves using a multimeter to test the engine coolant temperature sensor, checking the sensor wiring for any damage, inspecting the thermostat for proper operation, and ensuring the coolant level is adequate.

5. Can I still drive my 2008 Toyota Prius with OBDII code P0118?

It is not recommended to drive your 2008 Toyota Prius with code P0118, as it can lead to engine overheating and potential damage. It is best to address the issue promptly to prevent further problems.

6. How serious is OBDII code P0118 in a 2008 Toyota Prius?

Code P0118 should be taken seriously in a 2008 Toyota Prius, as it can cause engine overheating, which may result in costly repairs if not addressed promptly.

7. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code P0118 in a 2008 Toyota Prius?

Repair tips for code P0118 include checking and replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor, inspecting and repairing any damaged wiring, ensuring the thermostat is functioning correctly, and topping up the coolant level if needed.

8. Can I reset the check engine light after fixing OBDII code P0118 in my 2008 Toyota Prius?

Yes, you can reset the check engine light using an OBDII scanner after fixing code P0118 in your 2008 Toyota Prius. This will clear the error code from the system.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code P0118 in a 2008 Toyota Prius?

The cost of repairing code P0118 in a 2008 Toyota Prius can vary depending on the root cause of the issue. It may involve replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor, repairing wiring, or addressing other related problems.

10. Is it possible to prevent OBDII code P0118 from occurring in a 2008 Toyota Prius?

Regular maintenance of the cooling system, including checking coolant levels, inspecting the thermostat, and ensuring the engine coolant temperature sensor is functioning properly, can help prevent code P0118 from occurring in a 2008 Toyota Prius.