Sensors

P0118 Engine temperature sensor reads too cold

By: Diagno editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-15

P0118 means: Engine temperature sensor reads too cold. This sensor tells the engine computer and the gauge how warm the engine is. Drive gently and have the car checked soon. The most common repair costs about €80–160 in Estonia, depending on make and model. The most common cause: sensor has failed.

Is it safe to drive?Get it checked soonDrive gently and have the car checked soon.

Sensor replacement€80–160parts and labour in Estonia, depending on make and model

What it means

This sensor tells the engine computer and the gauge how warm the engine is. With a wrong reading the radiator fan may run all the time and the car may start poorly. Usually a connector is loose or a wire is broken. The car may be hard to start.

What could be wrong

1Sensor has failed · Sensor replacement €80–160
2Corroded connector or broken wire · Wiring or connector repair €45–90
3Low coolant · Coolant top-up and leak check €45–90

What you can check yourself

With the engine cold, check the coolant level. Check the sensor connector. You can do the simpler checks yourself.

How we fix it

We compare the sensor reading with the real temperature
We repair the wire or connector
We replace the sensor

Standard SAE description: Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input

This code usually comes with: Check engine lightSee what the light means →

Related symptoms: Car won't start

Want a definite answer?

Bring the car to our workshop in Estonia for diagnostics. We read the fault codes, test the sensors and tell you what is wrong. Repair price depends on the work involved, generally €45 per hour.

Book a diagnostic check

Questions

What does fault code P0118 mean?

Engine temperature sensor reads too cold. This sensor tells the engine computer and the gauge how warm the engine is. With a wrong reading the radiator fan may run all the time and the car may start poorly. Usually a connector is loose or a wire is broken. The car may be hard to start.

Can I drive with code P0118?

Drive gently and have the car checked soon.

How much does it cost to fix P0118?

It depends on the cause: sensor replacement €80–160; wiring or connector repair €45–90; coolant top-up and leak check €45–90. Prices include labour at €45/h, depending on make and model.

How is P0118 fixed?

We compare the sensor reading with the real temperature. We repair the wire or connector. We replace the sensor.

Based on AI combined with our hands-on workshop experience and knowledge. This information is general and prices are approximate (Estonian workshop rates). The same code can mean different things on different cars. Only an inspection of the car gives a definite answer.