P0115 OBD-II Trouble Code: ECT Sensor Circuit Malfunction Problem

Our certified mechanics come to you · Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront


Cost of diagnosing the P0115 code

P0115 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "ECT Sensor Circuit Malfunction Problem". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.

Cars Estimate* Credit towards follow-up repair Earliest Availability
Ford $154.99 $50.0
Toyota $154.99 $50.0
BMW $164.99 $50.0

*Estimates may vary by market

SCHEDULE P0115 DIAGNOSTIC Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

P0115 code definition

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor circuit malfunction problem

What the P0115 code means

P0115 is the OBD-II generic code that indicates when the engine control module (ECM) reads the ECT sensor input go below or above the sensors expected range of 0.14 to 4.91 V (-40°C to 140°C -40°F to 284°F).

What causes the P0115 code?

The ECT sensor range input to the ECM went to -40°F or above 284°F indicating a short or open circuit.

Codes P0117 or P0118 for a short or open circuit usually accompany code P0115.

What are the symptoms of the P0115 code?

  • The ECM turns on the Check Engine Light and goes into failsafe mode substituting input to 176 degrees F.

  • Engine may have a hard start when engine is cold and start normal when warm

  • Engine may run rough and hesitate until the engine warms up

  • Engine should run close to normal once the engine warms up

Note: The symptoms are determined by the manufacturer failsafe ECM strategy for the vehicle during a failure and may vary between manufacturers and vehicles.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0115 code?

  • Scans and documents the codes received and view the freeze frame data to see when the code was set

  • Resets the codes to clear the OBD-II fault codes and retests the vehicle to see if the code comes back

If Codes P0117 or P0118 are received, the mechanic follows tests for these codes first.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0115 code

  • Not performing a visual inspection first

  • Not performing tests on codes P0117 or P0118 first

  • Not replacing ECT sensor unless tests indicate a problem

  • Not connecting the new ECT sensor and viewing the ECM data to see if the temperature output from the sensor is close to the same as ambient temperature before installation

How serious is the P0115 code?

  • The P0115 code will cause the engine ECM to go into a failsafe mode.

  • The failsafe mode may cause various drive complaints until the engine warms up depending on the manufacturer failsafe mode strategy.

What repairs can fix the P0115 code?

  • Repairing or replacing the ECT connector
  • Repairing or replacing the wiring as necessary
  • Replacing the ECT with a new sensor

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0115 code

  • The P0115 code is often associated with P0116, P0117, P0118, and P0119 codes.

  • Most failures for code P0115 is a harness shorting or a connector corrosion issue causing an open circuit.

Need help with a P0115 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.

Check Engine Light
P0115
trouble codes

No more waiting rooms! Our mechanics will come to you to diagnose and fix the P0115 code.

SCHEDULE P0115 DIAGNOSTIC
Get a $50 credit for the follow-up repair

Recent Check Engine Light is on Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(8600)

Rating Summary
8017
273
65
46
199
8017
273
65
46
199
 at YourMechanic

Brandon

9 years of experience
133 reviews
Brandon
9 years of experience
Ford Escort L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Nashville, Tennessee
Brandon showed up ahead of schedule, was very personable and diagnosed my problems. He also scheduled my next appointments which will be with him.
 at YourMechanic

William

23 years of experience
33 reviews
William
23 years of experience
Lexus IS250 V6-2.5L - Check Engine Light is on - Mableton, Georgia
Arrived early which was great. William was courteous, and attentive to the issue. Even though it took several attempts I'm so happy he was determined to fix it and he did!
 at YourMechanic

Dan

40 years of experience
1080 reviews
Dan
40 years of experience
Plymouth Grand Voyager - Check Engine Light is on - Lawrenceville, Georgia
Mr. Dan Barber was quite patient, courteous and quite knowledgeable. From my observation, Mr. Barber appears to be quite professional.
 at YourMechanic

Christopher

9 years of experience
120 reviews
Christopher
9 years of experience
Ford Fiesta L4-1.6L - Check Engine Light is on - Smyrna, Georgia
Chris communicated with us each step of the way up until his arrival. He listened well, was knowledgeable, and was prepared. He took the time to diagnose the problem, explained the what, why and how and provided a solution. I would definitely recommend him and will use him again.


Related questions

Check Engine code is P0115
Hi. The most common repair for that code is the sensor itself. A low coolant condition can cause it as well so the cooling system will need to be inspected. It will need to be checked for leaks and the...

More related articles

P0582 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cruise Control Vacuum Control Circuit/Open
P0582 P0582 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cruise Control Vacuum Control Circuit/Open P0582 code definition The P0582 code indicates that there has been a malfunction detected in the cruise control vacuum control circuit by the car’s computer. What the P0582 code means...
P2667 OBD-II Trouble Code: Fuel Shutoff Valve B Control Circuit High
P2667 means there is a problem with the fuel shut off valve usually after a rear end collision or other electrical issues or problem.
P3450 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cylinder 7 Deactivation/Intake Valve Cotrol Performance
P3450 means intake and exhaust valves may not open on required cylinders due to low oil pressure, impaired oil movement in engine, or wiring.

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com