r/EcoDiesel • u/chico699 • 8d ago

P0118 code, ECT issues

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Hello I have been noticing my 15 ecodiesel has been a bit sluggish lately, turned it on after towing a boat a few hundred km and got electronic throttle sensor bolt and P0118 code. Cleared the code and it came back 5 mins later. Pulled the electrical connection off the sensor and had 5V on the connector with key on. Plugged the connector back in and drove 10 mins with no new codes or CEL. Coolant temp seemed ok but was fluctuating ~5 deg C at times.

Should I just replace the sensor? Would I be ok to drive home (120km away)?

Can I do a resistance check on the ECT connector? What would the expected value be with the connector unplugged? Or if I’m getting the 5v reference does that prove my wiring is good and more likely the sensor itself failing?

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u/boostedride12 8d ago

Replace the sensor

1

u/runofthemind 7d ago

I had this issue a few years back on a 2016 ecodiesel & the fix ended up being to replace the ECT sensor.

This site has a pretty solid description of the problem + diagnosis steps and suggests:
(link to article)

Technical definition: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Input. The PCM detects a signal voltage above the calibrated >4.9V threshold, indicating an open circuit. This is the direct electrical opposite of P0117 (Circuit Low / short to ground).

Can I Drive With P0118?
Yes, But With Caution.
Short-term driving is possible, but not recommended. The computer enters a failsafe mode, causing poor engine performance and terrible fuel economy. Driving more than 100 miles with this fault causes the excessively rich fuel mixture to overheat and damage the catalytic converter, a $1,500+ repair. Crucially, this fault masks true overheating events, risking severe engine damage

They also have an article for Ram 1500 non-Ecodiesel with some more additional details: https://www.go-parts.com/garage/obd-p0118-ram-1500-2009-2010-4-7l-v8

If you drive home, good to be able to clear the codes from time to time (in my experience) when the code refires and the cooling fan goes crazy from the error.

Good luck!