Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor P0117 / P0118 | How to Test and Replace

In this video I go through the steps on determining why you may have codes p0117 or p0118. It's easy enough that any one can perform at home. This was performed on a 2010 Subaru Impreza non-turbo. Check with your vehicle's repair manual for testing parameters.
This sensor is happy between 1-1.5v at idle. Below .27v triggers code p0117. Above 4.7v triggers p0118.
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P0117 - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0118 - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High
Note:
Any attempt to repair automotive parts and/or systems carries risk of personal injury. Always adhere and follow safe practices when working on vehicles. Such as, safety glasses, jack stands, no loose clothing, etc. No guarantee or warranty is implied. Use the information in this video at your own risk. Carsntoys is a member of the Amazon Influencer Program.
Publication, reproduction or distribution of this film is strictly prohibited.
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#p0117 #p0118

[@electromejia3889]

This is one of the best explanations I have seen in a mechanic video!!! Thanks man!!

[@ShoshonSun]

Great video, keep doing them!! Concise, precise, clear, great camera work- awesome!

[@JerZeyFiveOh]

Fantastic video, thank you!

[@djc3949]

Dude thanks , great video and very very well explained. I couldn't find no one with a easy step by step tutorial. Thumbs up 👍

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Glad to help.

[@sammyemason1690]

Thank you so much for going slow and show exactly where part is.

[@timinbovey]

My theory on parts like this is -- once you've gone to the trouble to remove it, just put in a new one. Generally an engine coolant sensor costs under ten bucks. If you've already read the codes you can be 95% sure yours is bad. Not worth the trouble to test, and even if it tests good, why not put in a new one for a few bucks and know you're set for another 100,000 miles?

[@tinyscott1114]

Great imfo. Thank u

[@monogramadikt5971]

they are $90 for my 2008 outback in australia :(

[@dmaster225]

I agree, especially if the part is already old, since its due to fail anyways.

[@paulkomn946]

@@monogramadikt5971 ok ,the prices in Australia are skyrocketing but the salaries are also too high.

[@jonathanyates5198]

Could have bad pig tail. Parts can come defective

[@Malachishouse]

I just got one if those testers only bc I night something at harbor freight and out of all of the free things that was the most expensive. So, I chose the most expensive since I thought I don't really need any if them but it would cost me less to purchase any of the other if I did happen to need them. Now I know what I can use it for and it's perfect. Thank you so much for this video. My van is 1993 and has over 150,000 miles. Not quite ready to get rid of it but has a hard time starting. Now I know this could be the problem, if not, at least I can test it to find out. Thank you

[@CarsNToys]

That's awesome! Glad to help.

[@Boerikoe]

Very good, comprehensive & informative video - thank you !

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help. Appreciate the feedback.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

you are one smart mechanic, brother,god blessed you!!!!!!! love all your vids, they help out,so much!! ty

[@CarsNToys]

I appreciate that!

[@d1user]

Jahbless

[@NibiruPrime2012]

Thanks for posting this informative video!

[@colinrmerry]

Great video - very helpful. Thanks for creating!

[@AimGobalWorldBibleSchool]

Thanks man...Good Job!

[@Dreccomel193]

Thank you for taking time to make this video...

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help.

[@PatisserieRoyale]

Awesome video! thanks! very helpful!

[@rattyboi9768]

Very nice vid, a sparkplug socket also works well. With some engines its easier to get those skinny extender bars for ur ratchet thru the small gaps

[@tspark1071]

Great job. Helpful

[@TOMMYOLA1]

Good video...easy to comprehend and apply

[@loveofchrist5808]

Thank you sir very very great information I’ve been looking for a video that just makes it simple but there’s a lot of KZbinrs out there that talk too much and get to the .20 to 30 minutes later user got to the point didn’t waste my time and that’s what I appreciate about your video thank you so very much God bless you and your family and friends. ✝️✝️✝️

[@erno9248]

Thanks for the teaching.

[@dennisfengcanada]

Simply great video.

[@otis52]

Great video brother thanks a bunch for the information

[@johnbee7729]

Excellent - thank you so much for this

[@nickotasla3091]

GREAT WORK BRO.👍 Simple. Well explained. SUBSCRIBED..👍👍👍

[@DanRobards]

King! Great tutorial!

[@senousyoucef989]

Hello,is it possible to reprogram the fan's starting temp(ex: from 95°c to 91°c?

[@mechtechtechnician7040]

Very useful video.I'm MECHANICAL.now understand good or bad sensor

[@neverstoplearning382]

Again another great video. Thanks a lot.

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Appreciate it.

[@franknitty299]

Thanks bro, this video definitely helped me

[@ronaldwolke6006]

Great explanation 👌

[@SafwanHashmi]

Really awesome video and the best part is HOW TO CHECK THE SENSOR. Thanks a lot for sharing such video. I had an engine steam wash and after that this code is coming up. Most Probably it will be the wiring Right?

[@andyvroo88]

Great video! Thank you

[@carslover3509]

Thanks very usful info

[@berwickbaptist1828]

This is great, thank you!

[@michaelblack3429]

very good video helped me thank you

[@bigmac8299]

Would this work for like a oil temp sensor or accessible transmission temp sensor?

[@roiskieblogs1278]

Good explanation

[@RicardoMartinez-ce2ic]

Thanks a lot for all this help ! Saving us tons of $$$$

[@Aaron-hd8ql]

Brilliant video thanks for being straight forward and honest.

[@rapidfirest]

Thank you very good information, I will check the coolant sensor on my 09 Forester, I got a PO172 code, the reading temperature just go crazy, from 195° to 218, then drops to 204.8, then to 215, etc...

[@mejesse809]

Thnx for the video, thumbs up, do u know if this would be the cause of a rough idle and hard shift, in cold weather for my 2007 Scion TC, 139k miles, no dash lights and it runs fine in the summer?

[@fstarockaburns425]

are one wire sensors the same? one prong on the thread part and one on the sender connector? Also - are most senders for passenger cars in the same ohm reading? Tested one today that was already warm and it showed 700ohms at about 25 degrees celsius.. the needle is all the way to the right when connected, which indicates its grounded. DIs the 700 ohms reading too high and causing the effect?

[@sayfousaechao140]

It's a really great videos thanks for your help and keep up the good work thanks.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help!

[@hosrow]

Awesome video, great demo. How can I check the wiring if the sensor checks out?

[@regallac]

Thank You very much for this detailed video!!!!! I had my water pump replaced at an AC repair shop and got this code🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@jasonreyes2889]

Nice video and explanation

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you.

[@mustang19ms]

Thank you man

[@mykea11]

Very informative

[@eeyyaakk6801]

could some other coolant temperature sensors have more than two leads? for example I think my mass airflow sensor has 4 leads. How do you measure it then?

[@user-dw1op8wj2k]

very goooooood video thank u

[@johnquillman785]

Thanks--a difficult location to get to. Think I can do it !

[@ShyLeonheart]

I had an oil cooler leak in my radiator. Would that oil contamination have any affect on the sensor itself? My car is throwing a "low circuit" code. Would that be a strictly electrical problem?

[@mikevescio8585]

I have a couple of questions. Is there a torque setting on how much to tighten the new one? And should I use sealant or thread tape on the threads?

[@jpen541999]

Great job, great video.... my dealership said I have a bad ambient air temperature sensor. 2018 outback 3.6r. I call b.s on the dealership.

[@calistacervantes7296]

can you tell me where is the cooling censor for 1996 subaru legacy 2.2?

[@mehargee3297]

You are great job

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you.

[@jovannydelgadillo2409]

Mehar Gee I just change my thermostat due to the fact that my dodge ram sxt 3.7 2007 was overheating. Well changing thermostat didn't work. So I remember I had a scanner and I checked if it pulled any code. Turn out to be a P0117

[@martinmainiac9351]

Great video.. I just bought a 97 maxims gel with 102 5

[@zahermud2571]

Perfect 💐. explain.

[@arivuazhagan442]

Thanks sir

[@kenyoung5682]

An Excellent video. Would you consider making videos about more automotive sensors (for example, camshaft position , crankshaft position, and throttle position sensors). I don't want to sound greedy; but, it was an excellent explanation/demonstration. Thanks, again.

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. We have a number of trouble code videos and will continue to do so. Here's a playlist of what we have thus far: kzbin.info/aero/PLl6xt4Pyay3Au6ofOmORTPmC-mOE88Pyv

[@olayinkaolatunde3028]

Nice video, forgot to add if your sensor is good, then the second option is for one to change the thermostat to fix that code. Obviously you can do reconnect the sensor after confirming it’s good and test just to see if maybe there was a gap earlier or moisture affecting it which you’d have cleaned up but if the code pops back up then you change the thermostat. Nice Video!

[@MrMoneyBlowin]

So if change the sensor and thermostat there’s a high chance that it will be fixed? Currently have this error code problem

[@isrealperez9069]

My 04 BMW showing ohm 2.1 is that good or bad my coolant temp goes from 98 or 99 until it drops to 94 or on highway goes down 88 and goes up can a thermostat cause this great video

[@smerk429]

Thanks im a subscriber. Question please : I changed my coolant temp sensor on my 95 lexus ls 400 but i didnt know i was supposed to disconnect the negative battery post. Why do we need to disconnect it ? Did i mess something up ? What can i potentially damage/cause by not disconnecting the negative battery terminal when i replaced my coolant temp sensor ? Thank you Anybody knowledgeable please reply soon.

[@Teddy2516]

do i need to disconnect the negative tab if my battery is in the trunk on my vehicle

[@darwinescobar7629]

Hello, my 2012 nissan rogue cooling fan won't come on unles ac is turn on. Currently temperature gauge goes up to 1/2 way and it doesn't seem to overheat, but I am concern about it. I repaired a leak on oil cooler unit,don't know if that has anything to do with it. Please give an answer. Thank you And fuses seem ok

[@alexandersilvar]

Hi thanks for all your videos. I have a problem with my 2009 Honda Odyssey. The radiator fan will not turn on and I have incredible fuel consumption. I already followed this video to verify that both ECTS are ok, I checked all the relays and the fuses are ok,. I checked the ECTS connectors and they are fine. The fans are fine because I made a direct connection with a clip on both the fan relays, it's the only way they turn on. I used a scanner in auto zone and it shows these codes P2185 (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High), P0118 (Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High), and P0117 (Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low). I don't understand why show that, if both ECTs are fine. I don't know what else to check. Any suggestions will be appreciated, thanks.

[@INAWE73]

Great video. To the point and and you learn a little something about ohms and temp.👌

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Glad to help.

[@bross6899]

What is po116? Toyota corolla says its the sensor as well but double checking. Id appreciate feedback thank you.

[@JamesBond-is5du]

Thank you

[@jazminecollins3552]

Say for instance I have a commercial electric meter a digital meter which setting would I put it on if it doesn't specify

[@bobbyhogge2055]

Can you please tell me we're the temperature coolant sensor is on a f150 5,4L 3v triton 2006

[@jamesark9926]

Excuse me sir...how many sensors inside the hood...aside from underneath sensors..?

[@barakaTV12345]

I have semi truck freightliner Columbia 06 and the fanclatch is running all time can you help me please

[@paulkomn946]

thanks for the very useful video. Today i changed the temperature sensor for my opel corsa and the check engine light turned off. Only with 10 euros.

[@twinscrew9.047]

I have a 1999 Ford f350 V10 with codes po118 and po117 at the same time replaced coolant sensor with oem part and rewired it and tried 2 pcms cant get codes to go away truck stalls when warmed up any idea's thanks

[@baronvonchickenpants6564]

Fabulous!!!

[@losmoore3358]

I did that test, but 2015 nissan versa SL still over heats with same code. Could it be the thermostat?

[@SpyC8779]

You mentioned you could have trouble starting your car. My truck has a weird issue where it only starts when it's hot outside and won't start in the morning when it's a little fresher. Could that be the issue ?

[@luismt2394]

My ram 1500 had this trouble code pop up (p0117) at first it was the lighting bolt and check engine light, then the coolant meter on the dash stopped working , would changing the sensor help?

[@espnocho7904]

Cool video thanks for the info. I see you have 115k miles On your 2010 Impreza. Any HG issues yet just curious I have a 2010 Forester

[@CarsNToys]

No issues. She runs well. *fingers crossed*

[@uyiedoimioya5421]

Is this d same sensor that controls the temperate guage

[@MartinGarcia-wy5kh]

Does this sensor activate cooling fan ?

[@gamers_mind8944]

Does the plastic at the top of the sensor rotates?

[@abomoss4455]

I checked and i just take the cable out and put it back again and it's works with my doge grund carvan 08 but still show me the check engine light on?

[@martinmathews9351]

I have a 2008 nissan maxima and I get 5 voltage from the sensor wires and if I un hook the harness fans kicks on as should and they kick on as shoul but for some reason I'm getting a p0118 high input circuit and my temp gauge dont move help

[@fishmanporgy]

Thanks very easy to do.

[@shonamagouyrk9575]

I know this is a dumb question, but my daughters read 0118,,,I already bought the sensor,,is it necessary to test it if I already got one?? OMG I'm hoping it isn't a wire,,my daughters had such bad luck with cars,,she's so young and has two children,,it's tough

[@Thatsn95girl]

I've replace this sensor twice and the pigtail connector. Still my 98 v6 mustang throws the p0117 and the opposite p0118 if I unplug it. I don't know what to do

[@richmondcorporatevideo7695]

nice job!

[@CarsNToys]

Thanks!

[@reginaldgilkes2213]

Where would I be located at on a 96 Ford ranger 2.3 l engine

[@isrealperez9069]

Can it also cause by coolant being old or rusted

[@jamesmichael8549]

My car had a Code showing up of P0115 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit ,and My temperature gauge is going high . Now I just now replaced my Sensor and a new Thermostat but still it kinda smokes and drain the resevior coolant . What's wrong with these car I need ideas to fixed my cars issues .good advice would be great . Now what is the settings of the Multimeter to test your sensor I have a Ever Start Digital Multimeter .

[@adamsala9291]

Can this cause cooling fan to come on every 2 mins that's problem I have plz help cheers..

[@TitoBolondru]

Yes

[@gavtommo2964]

Mk5 golf gti, and my fan also comes on EVERY min or 2 even when engine is totally cold ( just started up ) did the sensor fix work for you ?? Many thanks

[@jason618]

This test isn't working on the brand new one or the old one. I've done every ohm setting there is.

[@isaiahrubio562]

Do you need to drain the radiator in order to take off the sensor or is it just back pressure that is gunna shoot out

[@hersoncastro5982]

Isaiah Rubio it's just because if you don't do it, once you remove the sensor it will start leaking coolant, and you will loose some of it, but it doesn't matter if you add more coolant after you replace the sensor

[@grassisawesome2617]

Good video i have that code p0117 on my Acura TL. I will test the sensors

[@okcarl9621]

i need help finding this on my 01 E39 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@Zeck88522]

I have code P0118, I replaced 2 sensors, code doesn’t go away. Is it wiring issue next?

[@kennethWRX]

WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER SENSOR BEHIND THE MOTOR, HOW DO YOU DO THAT ONE HELP

[@carlosberrios1021]

My 95 corolla is having problems starting very bad f/a mixture but once the car starts was no issues at all.....when I park the car for a few hours 4 to 5 hours car won't start right away it will take a lot of tries I replace the cts and still having the same problem...I don't know what to do.

[@nusretcinsoy434]

Need thermal paste before installation ?