AutoCodes – Acura – P2185 Acura

P2185 Acura Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage

Quick Answer

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor 2 is a thermistor attached to the radiator. Common causes include Low coolant level, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor, Stuck or leaking 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: P2185 Acura indicates Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Low coolant level, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor, Stuck or leaking 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 20,848

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
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P2185 Acura Description

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor 2 is a thermistor attached to the radiator. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) applies voltage (about 5 V) to the ECT2 signal circuit through a pull up resistor. As the engine coolant temperature cools, ECT sensor 2 resistance increases, and the PCM detects a high signal voltage. As the engine coolant warms, the sensor resistance decreases, and the PCM detects a low ECT2 signal voltage. If the ECT sensor 2 output voltage is less than a set value when the engine coolant temperature is high, the PCM detects a malfunction and a DTC is stored.

OBDII Code P2185 Acura - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P2185 Acura Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2185 Acura?

Low coolant level
Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
Stuck or leaking thermostat
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P2185 Acura?

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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P2185 Acura 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 P2185 Acura code?

Need more information on how to fix the P2185 Acura code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P2185 Acura code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 P2185 Acura Code

1. What does the OBDII code P2185 mean on an Acura?

P2185 indicates a high voltage issue in the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 circuit, which suggests the sensor may not be functioning correctly or is providing inaccurate readings.

2. What are the symptoms of a P2185 code in an Acura?

Common symptoms include the check engine light turning on, poor fuel efficiency, overheating engine, and irregular temperature gauge readings.

3. What causes the P2185 code to appear on an Acura?

Possible causes include a faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 2, damaged or shorted wiring, corroded electrical connectors, or a malfunctioning powertrain control module (PCM).

4. Can I drive my Acura with a P2185 code?

While the car may still be drivable, continuing to drive with this code can lead to engine overheating or damage if the coolant temperature isnâ€™t monitored properly.

5. How do I diagnose the P2185 code on my Acura?

Check the ECT sensor 2 for damage, inspect the wiring and connections for issues, and verify the sensorâ€™s voltage readings with a multimeter.

6. How do I fix the P2185 code on an Acura?

Repairs may include replacing the ECT sensor 2, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, cleaning corroded connectors, or, in rare cases, reprogramming or replacing the PCM.

7. Where is the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 located on an Acura?

The ECT sensor 2 is typically located near the thermostat housing or on the engine block, depending on the Acura model.

8. How much does it cost to repair a P2185 code on an Acura?

Repair costs vary but replacing the ECT sensor typically ranges from $50 to $200, including parts and labor. Wiring or PCM repairs may cost more.

9. Can a P2185 code cause engine overheating in an Acura?

Yes, a malfunctioning ECT sensor can result in inaccurate temperature readings, potentially causing the engine to overheat due to improper cooling system regulation.

10. Will clearing the P2185 code fix the problem on my Acura?

Clearing the code may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but the underlying issue must be addressed to prevent the code from returning.