Error Code P2186: What It Means & What To Do?

The brighter you are, the more you have to learn! That’s why we are here to provide you more knowledge about the P2186 trouble code. It is the engine control module which would examine the engine coolant temperature sensor 2. This trouble code would be set by the ECM when the engine coolant temperature sensor 2 circuit would not be as per the parameters set by the manufacturer.

What causes this problem with the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor #2 Circuit Intermittent?

• Less engine coolant level
• Malfunctioning thermostat
• Unusable #2 ECT sensor
• There might be an open or shorted wiring or connectors in #2 ECT sensor circuit

1. Engine Control Module - The solenoid might cause a short in the engine control module because of corrosion in the solenoid or the wire running from the solenoid to the ECM harness.
2. Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor - If there are some issues in your car engine coolant temperature sensor, then it would result in the illumination of the check engine light. The check engine light would keep on flashing until the problem is addressed. Buy new engine coolant temperature sensor from us online.
3. Electronic Control Unit - The ECU power management control module keeps in check the hybrid battery charging functions. If the ECU is faulty, the battery pack will not be able to properly get charged and thus, the ECU might need replacement.
4. Powertrain Control Module - A trouble with the PCM would mean that it is unable to determine the right fuel mixture and would send the car engine either more or less fuel than it requires. Now when the engine gets more, the carbon emission would increase and fuel economy would drop. In case of the opposite, the engine will choke, stutter, and might start stalling sometimes.
5. Engine Wiring Harness - Your car ECM would not operate properly if there are some cracks or break in the engine wiring harness. Corrosion as well as physical damage are the most common reasons why you should replace an engine wiring harness. Purchase high grade engine wiring harness online from Parts Avatar Canada.
6. Diagnostic Tool - Usually any OBD code problem requires deep insight into the problem and high grade tools in order to fix it properly. Thus, buy quality diagnostic tools form us!

It is essential 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 P2186 here:

Common Symptoms

• Illumination in the service engine soon light
• Bumpy engine idle on cold start
• Hesitation or slipping on acceleration
• There might be rich exhaust smell, especially on cold start
• Excessive heating of the car engine
• Electric cooling fan might be running constantly or may not run at all

If you wish to correct this fault code, then you have to follow certain steps. Correcting a problem needs your careful attention. Here are some ways with the help of which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P2186:

• Recondition the non-functioning #2 ECT sensor
• Make sure to add engine coolant level
• Repair or replace the open or shorted wiring or connectors in #2 ECT sensor circuit
• Rehabilitate the defaults in the thermostat
• Carefully adjust the faults in the engine control module

Parts Avatar Canada is here to solve all your issues related to car parts. We have stocked a wide range of best priced ECT sensor, wiring, connectors, PCM, ECM, air fuel ratio sensor, battery connectors, spark plug, distributor coil, fuel injection system, auto ignition system and a lot more to help you out in fixing your car.

If you want to easily diagnose this trouble code, then you must follow the steps which are mentioned here as below:

A suitable OBD-II scanner (or code reader) and a digital volt/ohmmeter will be most helpful in performing a successful diagnosis. Use the vehicle information source to search for applicable technical service bulletins (TSB). If you locate a TSB that matches the vehicle make and model, symptoms exhibited, and the code stored, it will help you to arrive at a diagnosis. You may also need to obtain diagnostic flow charts, wiring diagrams, connector face views, connector pinout charts, component locations, and component testing procedures/specifications from the vehicle information source.

Then a scanner should be connected to the automobile diagnostic connector and then all the stored trouble codes as well as freeze frame data should be retrieved. Then you must write the details to start the diagnosis. After that the codes should be cleared up. A visual inspection of #2 ECT sensor wiring and connectors should be performed. Make sure to repair or restore the defected wiring or connectors as needed and then the system should be retested. Now if the P2186 error code is not immediately reset, then it might be intermittent.

The vehicle should be operated normally until the powertrain control module would enter the OBD-II readiness mode or the code is reset. You should continue the diagnosis if the P2186 error code is reset. The scanner should then be reconnected and the suitable data stream should be brought up. The data should be narrowed down so that only pertinent data is shown and the response of that data would be faster than before. The #2 ECT sensor temperature as well as voltage for searching for glitches should be observed. It would be seen by the powertrain control module as the intermittent ECT sensor circuit signals.

If there are a lot of inconsistencies, then the ECT sensor connector should be examined for signs of corrosion. Inspect the wiring which is routed near hot exhaust manifolds/headers as well as the loose and damaged connector pins at the ECT sensor. The faulty constituents should be repaired or restored as per the requirement. The error code P2186 can also be stored up because of less engine coolant. Now when the engine is cool, the high pressure cap should be removed carefully and just make sure that the car engine is full of the recommended coolant. Now if the level of engine coolant is down by more than several quarts, then you must check the engine for a leakage in the coolant.

You might need a cooling system pressure tester for this. The leaks should be repaired as per the need. The system with acceptable coolant should be refilled, and then the system should be retested. If the #2 ECT sensor is low or high, then it would indicate that it is defective. Use the DVOM and then check the ECT sensor resistance. If there are some faults in the sensor, then it should be replaced. The infrared thermometer should be used if the #2 ECT sensor would be low or high. The ECT sensor signal reflected in the data stream should be compared with the actual ECT and you should dispose of the sensor if the two do not coincide.

 

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P2186 Code

• 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.