Is it safe to drive with P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor High Input?

Generally safe to drive for short distances, but the fault should be diagnosed and repaired promptly.

🟢 P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor High Input

Safe to Drive?

⚠️ Drive with Caution

Urgency Level

🟡 Monitor Closely

Check engine on. Engine running rich, poor fuel economy. Fan running constantly. This fault code is stored when the engine control unit detects a specific fault condition. Common causes include sensor failures, wiring faults, and component wear. Always read additional fault codes before replacing parts — multiple codes together provide a clearer diagnosis. Clear the code after repair and test drive to confirm the fault does not return.

🔍 Symptoms

📍 Multiple ⚠️ P0118 fault code

⚙️ Possible Causes

Fault code P0118 detected Multiple Possible: P0118 = ECT sensor sending high voltage signal (reads engine as very cold, ECU adds too much fuel). Symptoms: engine smells rich, poor MPG, fans may run constantly. Fix: 1) Check connector — corrosion is most common cause. 2) Test sensor resistance. 3) Ch

Repair / Solution

Based on 45 driver confirmations

0 worked · 0 did not · ⚪ Unverified

🧾 Driver Reports

✅ Fixed P0118 = ECT sensor sending high voltage signal (reads engine as very cold, ECU adds too much fuel). Symptoms: engine smells rich, poor MPG, fans may run constantly. Fix: 1) Check connector — corrosion is most common cause. 2) Test sensor resistance. 3) Ch

P0118 = ECT sensor sending high voltage signal (reads engine as very cold, ECU adds too much fuel). Symptoms: engine smells rich, poor MPG, fans may run constantly. Fix: 1) Check connector — corrosion is most common cause. 2) Test sensor resistance. 3) Check wiring to ECU. 4) Replace sensor — $20-50, easy DIY on most engines. Do not confuse with actual overheating — P0118 with no actual temperature issue = sensor problem, not cooling problem.

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