P2181 - OBD Trouble Code

Do you want to gain some more knowledge about the P2181 trouble code? This diagnostic fault code is a generic powertrain code, which means that it would apply to the OBD-II equipped vehicles. The specific repair steps can vary as it depends upon the vehicle make and model. The engine control module, powertrain control module or the transmission control module monitors this circuit depending upon the particular automobile.

 

What causes this problem with the Cooling System Performance Code?

 

• Less coolant levels
• Malfunctioning engine coolant temperature sensor
• Leakage in the thermostat
• Engine coolant temperature sensor harness is not shut or tiny
• There might be poor electrical connection in the engine coolant temperature sensor circuit

1. Cooling System – There can be many components in the cooling system that can be faulty, causing battery overheating and underperforming. So, replace the faulty components immediately.
2. Engine Control Module - Want to know the most common reason behind the failure in the engine control module? Corrosion or damage because of moisture can cause ECM failure. Corrosion might enter the ECM through the wiring harness and moisture can enter by a failure in the seals in the ECM itself.
3. Coolant Hoses/Pipes – Damaged hoses and pipes can cause leakages and thus reduce the effectiveness of the cooling system. Thus, cracked and damaged pipes must be replaced immediately.
4. Battery Temperature Sensor – If the temperature sensor is faulty, the ECU will not be able to calculate the battery temperatures and the battery can overheat or run cold. Thus it is important that the temperature sensors work properly so that the ECU can control the blower fan to manage the temperatures. Buy new battery temperature sensors from us.
5. Powertrain Control Module - The PCM makes the engine and transmission work in tandem. Any issue with the powertrain control module will cause major problems with the efficient running of the vehicle.
6. Battery Coolant Pump – Even if the temperature sensor is working properly, the battery coolant pump can be at fault and may need replacement. If the pump is not responding to the PCM requests, then the malfunctioned pump can cause overheating of the battery which in turn can affect the vehicle performance.
7. Electronic Control Unit - If your vehicle fails to start for no apparent reason, this is also a good indicator that there can be some issues with the ECU. If you check the car battery, starter and other common electrical components, and the vehicle still does not start, a quirky electronic control unit should be the next logical thing to consider.
8. Diagnostic Tool - In order to fix these errors, you need few diagnostic tools to get your car problems pointed out easily. Our diagnostic tools collection will come handy to do so and resolve all your vehicle problems. Visit today!

It is vital to know the symptoms of an issue as only then you would be able to solve the problem. So that’s why we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD Code P2181 here:

 

Common Symptoms

• Check engine light might come into signal
• Car A/C might not function at all
• Cooling fans may stay on all the time
• Heater will not operate

The repairs which you will have to do to correct this fault code are simply straightforward; you can surely pinpoint the necessary repairs on the basis of your diagnosis. Have a look at some common fixes:

 

• You must add enough coolant so that its level doesn’t become less
• It is essential to restore the flawed engine coolant temperature sensor
• Repair or replace the quirky thermostat
• Rehabilitate the defaults in the powertrain control module
• Carefully adjust the faults in the engine coolant temperature sensor harness
• Recondition the non-functioning engine coolant temperature sensor circuit

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Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

 

Have a look at some tools which are used in diagnosing overheating problems:

 

• Temperature scan tool
• Voltmeter
• Set of alligator jaw jumper wires
• Scan tool to clear the codes
• Coolant system pressure tester
• Service manual

Engine running too cool:

 

• The thermostat should be replaced.

Engine overheating:

 

• The code scanner should be plugged into the OBD port and then the key should be turned ON. Inspect for any further codes. A coolant temperature sensor code will cause failure in the radiator fans.
• Now when the engine cold, carefully remove the radiator cap and inspect the coolant level. You the pressure tester to inspect the leakages in the system. This includes around the radiator, hoses, block, intake and heater core.
• If the engine temperature is normal while driving but overheats at a stop, then it would mean that there is a failure in the radiator fan.
• Examine the serpentine belt-tension for proper tension. Faulty belt tensioners are common and allow belt slip. Check around the water pump for leakages. For those driven by the timing belt, coolant leaks out of the bottom of the belt cover. If the water pump is exposed, check the pulley for wobble indicating a worn water pump bushing.
• An engine driven should be checked fan for wobbling and leakage around the fan clutch. Rotate the fan by hand. A good fan clutch offers some resistance. An exceptionally slow moving fan with the engine running would indicate a fault in the fan clutch.
• The coolant level sensor on the side of the radiator should be checked referring to the service manual.
• If the vehicle has a radiator cap leave it off and then begin the car engine and it should be allowed to warm up. The engine temperature with the scan tool should be monitored and as the temperature approaches 190 degrees watch for coolant to begin flowing from the inside radiator cores. If no flow is detected above 195 degrees, restore the cap and shut off the motor. The thermostat is flawed.
• If the radiator begins to flow, restore the cap and allow the engine to reach 205 degrees before shutting it off. If the electric fans do not come on, then the car engine should be shut off.
• Inspect the engine fan fuse and relays in the fuse and relay box on the driver's side fender well. You can find their location on the underside of the cover.
• The operation of the fan should be checked by disconnecting the wiring pigtail. Place a jumper from the ground terminal to a good ground and power terminal to the battery. If the fan fails to work properly, then you should replace it. If you find out that it is operating normally, then check the wiring at the fuse block and coolant temperature sensor for loose connections, pushed out connector pins or burnt wiring.
• Carefully inspect the blown head gasket.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P2181 Code

 

• Common mistakes while diagnosing this trouble code are unnecessary and expensive replacements which usually happen when one don’t follow all the steps carefully.
• The most common mistake while diagnosing this code is missing out on diagnosing steps which further leads to the expensive and unnecessary replacements. It is always recommended to seek help of experienced diagnostician to avoid any mistakes.