P0119: Engine coolant temperature sensor signal that drops out or jumps erratically
Engine coolant temperature circuit intermittent
Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected
The code says the coolant temperature signal is unreliable, not how bad the cause is. The computer uses that signal for fuel mixture, fans and starting, so a bad reading can cause rough running, but no source read for this file grades the risk.
P0119 in short
P0119 means the engine computer saw the coolant temperature sensor signal cut out or jump around, instead of changing smoothly. A faulty sensor, damaged wiring or a loose connector is the usual cause, and low coolant can contribute. Have the sensor circuit checked, because the computer relies on this reading for fuelling.
The engine computer reads the coolant sensor as a voltage. TroubleCodes.net describes P0119 as an intermittent circuit: the signal opens, shorts to ground or changes abruptly for more than about three seconds, rather than staying stuck high or low.
That is why P0119 is separate from the steady low and high input codes P0117 and P0118. An intermittent fault may come and go, so the code can clear itself and return later.
Owner complaints on 2006 Ford Escape and Expedition models quote scan readouts of 'engine coolant temperature circuit intermittent', which matches this meaning on Ford vehicles.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Coolant temperature sensor failing internally
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists an internally shorted sensor among the common causes, and it is the part the signal comes from.
- What would change this
- Rises if the sensor reading jumps while the engine is steady or when the connector is tapped. Falls if the reading is smooth through a full warm-up.
Cause 2: Harness damage or a poor connection in the sensor circuit
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- An open or short in the wiring, or a poor electrical connection, is on the same cause list, and an intermittent signal fits a connection that makes and breaks.
- What would change this
- Rises if wiggling the harness or connector changes the reading. Falls if the wiring and pins look clean and tight.
Cause 3: Low coolant level or a thermostat fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists low coolant and a defective thermostat as causes. They can change the temperature the sensor sees, so they are worth ruling out.
- What would change this
- Rises if the coolant is low or the engine does not reach normal temperature. Falls if the coolant is full and the engine warms normally.
Cause 4: Engine computer fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists the computer as a less likely cause, so it ranks last.
- What would change this
- Rises only after the sensor, wiring and connector have been cleared. Falls if the sensor circuit tests fault-free.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool, and note any other temperature or cylinder head temperature codes.
IfP0117 or P0118 is stored as well
It meansThe sensor circuit has been faulty at other times too.
IfP0119 is the only code
It meansCheck the sensor reading live.
Step 2: With the engine cold, watch the coolant temperature on a scan tool through warm-up and compare it with the dashboard gauge.
IfThe reading jumps, drops out or disagrees with the gauge
It meansThe sensor or its circuit is unreliable.
IfThe reading is smooth
It meansThe fault is intermittent; check the connector and wiring.
Step 3: With the engine off and cool, check the coolant level and look at the sensor connector and its wiring for damage, corrosion or a loose fit.
IfThe connector is loose or corroded, or the wiring is damaged
It meansA connection fault is the likely cause.
Points to: Harness damage or a poor connection in the sensor circuit
IfThe coolant is low or the engine runs cold
It meansFix the coolant level or thermostat first.
IfEverything looks sound
It meansHave a shop test the sensor and circuit.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on, sometimes going out by itself
- Rough running, poor fuel economy or black exhaust smoke
- Hard starting or no start in some cases
How to fix
Step 1: With the engine off and cool, check the coolant level and top it up with the type your owner's manual lists.
Step 2: Look at the coolant sensor connector for a loose or corroded fit.
Parts and cost context
- Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor:Sensors are usually inexpensive, but check the connector and wiring first because an intermittent fault is often not the sensor itself. Labour varies; get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
FordYour car
2006 · Escape
Supported by vehicle dataAn owner complaint (ODI 10484858) quotes a scan readout of P0119, engine coolant temperature circuit intermittent, together with a cylinder head temperature sensor code and a damaged sensor connector. One owner report only.
2006 · Expedition
Supported by vehicle dataAn owner complaint (ODI 10714028) quotes P0119 as engine coolant temperature circuit intermittent, with intermittent loss of electrical power. One owner report only.
Related codes
P0119 questions
Is P0119 the same as P0117 or P0118?
No. P0117 and P0118 mean a steady low or high signal. P0119 means the signal is erratic or drops out, so it can come and go.
Can I drive with P0119?
The sources read do not grade the risk. Because the computer uses this reading for fuelling and fans, have it checked soon and watch the temperature gauge.
Sources and review
- P0119, P00B7 and P0129 trouble code pages
- NHTSA owner complaints naming P0119 (ODI 10484858, 10714028), P0129 (ODI 10321868, 10496081, 10551947, 10567604) and P00B7 (ODI 11561868, 11575521, 11756349, 11768539)
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
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