P2183 OBD-II Trouble Code: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Range/Performance

What the P2183 code means?

P2183 is an OBD-II generic code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting the engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT) #2 is out of range and performance does not correlate with ECT sensor #1.

What causes the P2183 code?

• The ECM checks the ECT sensors when the engine is first started cold to see if the two sensors correlate with each other and with the ambient air temperature sensor.

• The ECT sensor is not reading correct when compared to the other sensors.

• The ECT sensor is out of range or its performance is not correlating to the #1 ECT sensor.

What are the symptoms of the P2183 code?

• The Check Engine light will be illuminated and the code is set in ECM memory as a fault.

• The ECM may ignore the ECT #2 sensor and test it each time the engine has a cold start to see if the same problem is happening.

• The engine should run normally as long as the #1 sensor is not having problem. The only symptom will be the check engine light will be on.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P2183 code?

• Scans for codes and documents the code in the ECM and look at the freeze frame data for failure.

• Scans the engine only after the engine has been sitting for at least 8 hours and is at ambient temperature.

• Scans the ECM and checks readings from the two ECT sensors and the ambient air temperature sensor to see if the ECT #2 sensor is different from the other two sensors. All three should be within a few degrees of each other.

• Checks the #2 ECT sensor connector for problems like loose or corroded pins.

• Monitors the ECT sensors through a complete warm up cycle to see if the sensor stays steady and within specifications through the warm up cycle comparing to the #1 ECT sensor.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P2183 code?

• Clearing ECM memory codes before checking the freeze frame data for the main failure problem, so the failure may be duplicated and repaired

• Failing to clear the ECM codes after the codes are fixed so the ECM will enable the system to normal again

• Failing to repair any connector issues before replacing the ECT sensor

How serious is the P2183 code?

Code P2183 is a code indicating the ECT sensors do not match each other and if the second #1 sensor fails then the engine may have running issues. This will fail the vehicle for emissions testing.

What repairs can fix the P2183 code?

• Replacing ECT #2 sensor
• Repair the connection to the ECT #2 sensor
• Repair the wiring to the ECT #2 sensor

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P2183 code

Code P2183 is for the second ECT sensor and should not cause any running issues with the engine except turning on the Check Engine light. Failure to fix the problem will keep the Check Engine light on and if another fault happens you would not be alerted to an issue since the Check Engine light would already be on. You cannot pass the emission tests with this code and the light on.

Need help with a P2183 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.