FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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P2184



DTC P2184 or P2185

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P2184
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P2185
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information






Typical Scan Tool Data






Circuit/System Description

The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor 2 is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the ECT 2 signal circuit, and a ground for the ECT 2 low reference circuit.

Conditions for Running the DTC

* The ignition is ON.
* DTC P2184 and P2185 run continuously within the enabling condition.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P2184

The ECM detects that the ECT 2 Sensor parameter is more than 149°C (300°F) for more than 15 seconds. This is equal to less than 0.065 volt on the ECT 2 signal circuit as measured by the ECM.

P2185

The ECT 2 sensor temperature is less than -39°C (-38°F) for more than 60 seconds. This is equal to more than 4.8 volts on the ECT 2 signal circuit, as measured by the ECM.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P2184 and P2185 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P2184 and P2185 are Type B DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

An ECT sensor signal circuit or low reference circuit that is shorted to another 5-volt reference circuit can cause a DTC P2185 to set.

Circuit/System Verification

Caution: Under pressure, the temperature of the solution in the radiator can be considerably higher, without boiling. Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot (pressure is high), will cause the solution to boil instantaneously, with explosive force. The solution will spew out over the engine, fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result. Flammable antifreeze, such as alcohol, is not recommended for use at any time. Flammable antifreeze could cause a serious fire.

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Inspect the cooling system surge tank for the proper engine coolant level.
3. Ignition ON, observe the ECT Sensor 2 parameter. The reading should be between -39 to +120°C (-38 to +248°F), depending on the current ambient temperature and the vehicle operating conditions.
4. Use the scan tool to verify the proper operating of the engine cooling system fans.
5. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ECT 2 sensor.
2. Ignition OFF for 90 seconds, test for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.

If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.

3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECT 2 parameter is less than -39°C (-40°F).

If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.

4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool ECT 2 parameter is greater than 149°C (300°F)

If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.

5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ECT 2 sensor.

Component Testing

Measure and record the resistance of the ECT 2 sensor at various ambient temperatures and compare those measurements to the Temperature vs. Resistance Table.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement
* Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming Programming and Relearning Verification Tests