P2185 - ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR 2 CIRCUIT HIGH

The Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT) has the function of measuring the temperature of the coolant that goes through the engine. This sensor is screwed to a coolant pipe and varies its resistance according to the temperature.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) gives the ECT Sensor a 5-volt reference and a ground signal. The voltage drop of this sensor is monitored to determine the coolant temperature. If the ECT Sensor indicates a lower freeze temperature at which the engine has been running for a few minutes, the PCM detects that condition as a circuit failure, so it proceeds to set the DTC code P2185 OBDII indicating that the sensor resistance is out of range.

• The Check Engine light turns on.
• The vehicle may not start.
• Lower fuel efficiency.
• An excessive amount of black smoke is expelled by the exhaust.

The reasons for storing the diagnostic code P2185 OBD2 are

• The electrical connections for Refrigerant Temperature Sensor #2 may be faulty.
• Open ground circuit between the ECT 2 Sensor and the PCM.
• Perhaps there is a short in the power supply between the ECT 2 Sensor and the PCM.
• Possibly the Coolant Temperature Sensor is defective.

To solve the errors related to the fault code P2185 OBDII, you must do the following:

• Use an advanced scanning tool to verify the Coolant Temperature Sensor If you get a reading that's within range, check the connector and cables to make sure they're securely connected.
• If the reading obtained with the scanning tool is out of range, check the resistance of the ECT sensor. If it is not within the manufacturer's specification, replace the Coolant Temperature Sensor. But if the resistance matches that specified in the user's manual, use a fused jumper wire to make an electrical connection between the two terminals of the connector. Once this is done, the temperature should indicate a minimum of 250°F. Otherwise, the ground circuit or voltage is inconsistent.
• Check the reference and ground voltage at the ECT sensor Make appropriate adjustments.