Engine-Codes - Ford - P0118 Ford

P0118 Ford Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High

- Code Popularity: 53,358 Views
- Repair Importance Level: 3/3
- Repair Difficulty Level: 2/3
Table of contents
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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

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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How to Fix the DTC P0118 Ford?

Check the 'Possible Causes' listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

The cost to diagnose the P0118 Ford code is 1.0 hour of labor. The diagnosis time and labor rates at auto repair shops vary depending on the location, make and model of the vehicle, and even the engine type. Most auto repair shops charge between $75 and $150 per hour.

What are Code Possible Symptoms?

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

What Does the P0118 Ford Code Mean?

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

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