Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Out of Range - High
The engine coolant temperature is reading higher than normal.
Heads up: this code wasn't in our hand-written library yet, so DiagCoach AI built this page on the fly. Double-check critical specs against service info before condemning parts.
What it means (plain English)
Basically, the sensor that measures how hot the engine coolant is, is saying it's too hot when it shouldn’t be, possibly due to a faulty sensor or connection failure.
What the computer is actually seeing
The ECU sees a coolant temperature reading significantly above the normal operating range (often above 240°F or 115°C).
What a healthy reading looks like
Normal operating coolant temperatures should be between 190°F and 220°F (88°C to 104°C).
Guided diagnostic — the DiagCoach way
Don't just throw parts at it. Walk through these in order — each step tells you whether to keep going or stop and fix what you found.
- 1Check the engine coolant level; if low, top it up and test again to see if code persists.
- 2Inspect the connector and wiring to the coolant temperature sensor for damage or corrosion.
- 3Using a scan tool, check the actual coolant temperature reading compared to the expected value; it should match closely.
- 4Test the coolant temperature sensor with a multimeter; at room temperature, it should read around 2.5 kΩ. At 200°F, it should be close to 0.5 kΩ. If values are out of range, replace the sensor.
Common causes
- Faulty coolant temperature sensor
- Wiring issue or loose connection
- Engine overheating due to low coolant or a stuck thermostat
- Faulty ECU interpreting data incorrectly
Typical repair cost
$$
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive with this code active?
It's best not to drive until the issue is resolved, as it can lead to engine overheating.
Will the code come back after clearing?
It could come back if the underlying issue isn’t fixed, especially if the sensor remains faulty.
Why does this code sometimes pair with low coolant codes?
If the car is low on coolant, it can cause the temperature sensor to read incorrectly, leading to this fault.
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