P2182

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit

Q: Is it safe to drive with P2182?

Usually yes, but because the ECM may be using a wrong coolant temperature it can misjudge fan control and fueling. Check the coolant level and have it repaired so a real overheat isn't masked.

Q: Can I just clear P2182?

You can, but it returns if the sensor or wiring is faulty. Confirm the sensor reads correctly before clearing.

Engine coolant temperature Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P2182 means the ECM sees an out-of-range or faulty signal from the second engine coolant temperature sensor circuit. A wrong coolant reading can upset cold-start fueling, cooling-fan control, and fuel economy. The usual causes are a failing sensor, or wiring and connector problems in its circuit, rather than an actual overheating engine.

Medium

Can I keep driving? The engine usually runs, but a wrong coolant reading can cause cold-start, fuel-economy, or cooling-fan issues; get it checked so overheating doesn't go unnoticed.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Cooling fans running constantly or not at all
Hard cold starts or rough cold running
Poor fuel economy
Temperature gauge reading inaccurately

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty engine coolant temperature sensor 2Likely
Open, shorted, or corroded wiring in the sensor circuitCommon
Poor connector or electrical connection at the sensorCommon
Low coolant level exposing the sensorLess often
Stuck thermostat skewing readings (less common)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data, then check the sensor 2 connector for a steady 5-volt reference and good ground.
Inspect the wiring and connector for opens, shorts, and corrosion.
Compare the sensor's resistance and reading against actual coolant temperature; replace it if out of spec.
Verify coolant level and thermostat operation.
Clear the code and retest.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P2182?+

Usually yes, but because the ECM may be using a wrong coolant temperature it can misjudge fan control and fueling. Check the coolant level and have it repaired so a real overheat isn't masked.

Can I just clear P2182?+

You can, but it returns if the sensor or wiring is faulty. Confirm the sensor reads correctly before clearing.

Read & clear P2182 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX