P2182 OBD-II Trouble Code: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit

What the P2182 code means?

P2182 is an OBD-II generic code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting the engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT) #2 does not correlate with ECT sensor #1 at cold engine start up.

What causes the P2182 code?

• The engine control module (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.

What are the symptoms of the P2182 code?

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

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

How does a mechanic diagnose the P2182 code?

• Scans for codes and documents the code in the ECM and looks 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 check 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 ECT sensor connector for problems like loose or corroded pins.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P2182 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 P2182 code?

Code P2182 is a code indicating the ECT sensors do not match each other and if the second sensor fails then the engine may have running issues. This will fail the vehicle for emissions testing.

What repairs can fix the P2182 code?

• Replace ECT #2 sensor.
• Repair the connection to the ECT sensor.
• Repair the wiring to the ECT #2 sensor.

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P2182 code

Code P2182 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 P2182 code?

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