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P0118 Ford Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High

- Code Popularity: 53,353 Views
- Repair Importance Level: 3/3
- Repair Difficulty Level: 2/3
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What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0118 Ford?

NOTE: The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.
  • 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
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How to Fix the DTC P0118 Ford?

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

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.

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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0118 Ford code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. The specific diagnosis time and labor rates at auto repair shops can differ based on factors such as the location, make and model of the vehicle, and even the engine type. It is common for most auto repair shops to charge between $75 and $150 per hour.

What are Code Possible Symptoms?

  • Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)

Code P0118 Ford 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 Ford - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High - AutoCodes.com
P0118 Ford Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High

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Code P0118 Ford comments

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