What Does the Engine Code P2181 Mean?
A P2181 engine code indicates a problem with your vehicle’s cooling system.
Written by Rachel Rigolino
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If your vehicle is showing code P2181, it indicates a problem with the cooling system. Likely, you will see other codes as well because having a P2181 code alone is considered somewhat rare. Fix the problem as soon as possible so that you do not run the risk of having your engine overheat.
An OBD-II code reader reads your car’s computer and tells you what problem is causing your
check engine light to come on
. This is an important first step in determining the problem, but keep in mind that you may need the help of an expert to identify the specific cause(s) of a P2181 engine code.Taking care of your
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What does the engine code P2181 mean?
Your engine’s computer monitors the coolant temperature levels in your radiator and engine. When the coolant temperature becomes too hot or too cold, it can trigger a P2181 engine code.
How much will it cost to fix?
Diagnosing a P2181 code will typically involve one hour of labor costs.
After the problem has been diagnosed, your mechanic should explain exactly what is causing the P2181 code and what parts and how much labor will be needed to fix it. While some problems may be fairly easy to address, others require more intensive labor.
Costs vary depending on what needs to be replaced. For example, replacing a bad
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
costs between $392 to $426. If your vehicle’s thermostat
needs to be replaced, however, this process typically costs between $470 and $505. What can cause the P2181 engine code?
Some common causes include:
- Engine coolant is too low or too dirty
- Engine thermostat needs to be replaced
- Radiator cap needs to be replaced
- Leaking hoses
- Faulty sensor
Other less common causes include:
- Electrical problem
- Problem with fan clutch
- Problem with the head gasket
Common symptoms of the P2181 engine code
Your temperature gauge on your dashboard may show that your engine is running either too cold or too hot. Or it may show fluctuations. (Of course, when your car has been sitting and becomes cold, the gauge will read cold until the engine heats up.)
If your temperature gauge is reading high, this is a serious problem, and it indicates that the
car is overheating
. Pull over to the side of the road and allow the engine to cool before driving home or to a service station. You will need to fix the problem before continuing to drive the vehicle.How serious is the P2181 code?
An engine that is running cold can cause problems with fuel efficiency and heating the interior of the car. This problem should be addressed, but it’s not an emergency.
While an engine that is running cold may not be an immediate problem, one that is overheating can cause serious damage to the engine.
This is why it is important to address coolant system problems as soon as possible. Overheating can cause catastrophic problems to your engine.
Can I fix the P2181 engine code myself?
Sometimes, fixing the underlying problem can be fairly simple. Here are some common causes of the P2181 code that some car owners may be able to fix themselves.
Replace the ECT sensor
Newer cars have Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensors that sometimes go bad. After removing the ECT sensor from the engine, use a multimeter to determine whether the sensor is still working. If it is not, replace the sensor.
Drain and Replace the Engine Coolant
If you determine that your ECT sensor is working, try draining and replacing the coolant in your radiator. This process involves removing the radiator drain plug or hose and draining the old coolant, so be prepared to catch the coolant and dispose of it properly. Then, add fresh coolant.
This process can take some time because you will need to make sure there is no air in the system.
MORE:
What is a coolant flush?
Replace the Thermostat
If you have checked the thermostat and found it is no longer working, it must be replaced. In many cars, this process is fairly simple. However, you must be careful to take out the bad thermostat and replace the new one correctly. Follow your car manual’s instructions.
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