If you are facing a glowing check engine light, fixing your honda crv code p0117 p0118 sensor fault can save you from a stressful breakdown. Team Vroomdan is here to help you resolve this diagnostic trouble code (DTC) with simple step-by-step guidance. Do not let minor engine sensor issues ruin your weekend road trip plans when there are so many exciting features waiting to be discovered inside your vehicle.
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bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
In This Guide
- Discover how to replace your engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor to eliminate codes P0117 and P0118.
- Get step-by-step DIY instructions with a complete list of necessary garage tools.
- Understand how to run a diagnostic multimeter test on your CR-V’s cooling system wiring.
- Learn the most common installation mistakes that cause permanent engine damage.
How to Resolve Your honda crv code p0117 p0118 sensor Issues Successfully
An engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor monitors the engine block temperature and relays this critical data directly to the powertrain control module (PCM).
When this electrical circuit experiences high or low voltage signals, your OBD-II scanner will save active codes P0117 or P0118.
Dealing with unpredictable engine behavior is a highly stressful experience for daily commuters.
Replacing a faulty honda crv coolant temperature sensor is a straightforward task that any practical owner can finish at home.
Using this comprehensive honda crv ect sensor code fix guide will help you avoid exorbitant dealership labor fees completely.
Let’s review the precise diagnostic trouble codes and start repairing your vehicle’s essential cooling components.
Required Tools and Parts
Before beginning, you will need to collect a few basic garage tools.
Ensure that your vehicle is parked on a flat surface and that the engine is cool to prevent painful thermal burns.
| Tool / Part Needed | Primary Purpose | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM ECT Sensor | Replaces the defective temperature hardware | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| 19mm Deep Socket | Removes the brass sensor body safely | $8.00 |
| Honda Type 2 Coolant | Replenishes lost fluids in the cooling block | $22.00 |
| Digital Multimeter | Tests circuit resistance and reference voltage | $15.00 |
Step-by-Step Replacement Instructions
-
Locate the Coolant Temperature Sensor
The primary ECT sensor is usually threaded directly into the thermostat housing on the side of the engine block.
You can locate this component by tracing the upper radiator hose back to the main metal housing of the engine head.
Clear any plastic trim or air cleaner ducts out of the way to gain a clear path to the wiring connection.
-
Disconnect the Electrical Harness Plug
Squeeze the outer plastic lock tab on the wire harness connector firmly with your thumb.
Gently wiggle and pull the connector off the brass sensor terminal without pulling on the wires.
Clean any built-up grease or road grime away from the plug socket using quick-drying electrical cleaner.
-
Unscrew the Defective Sensor
Fit your deep socket over the brass hex base of the old sensor body carefully.
Turn the socket wrench counterclockwise to break the initial seal and slowly back the threads out.
Keep your replacement part nearby because a small amount of engine coolant will leak out immediately.
-
Install and Seat the New Sensor
Slide the new crush washer onto the threads of your replacement sensor.
Hand-thread the sensor clockwise into the cylinder head to prevent cross-threading the soft aluminum engine block.
Tighten the sensor to the recommended torque setting of exactly 11 foot-pounds using your torque wrench.
-
Refill and Bleed Your Cooling Loop
Plug the electrical wiring harness back into the terminal socket until you hear a solid click.
Open the radiator filler neck and add fresh Honda Type 2 blue coolant to replace the spilled fluid.
Run your engine with the radiator cap off to release any trapped air bubbles from your cylinder block.
At Vroomdan, we are committed to helping you tackle complex vehicle maintenance tasks on your own terms.
Replacing this diagnostic sensor yourself brings a massive sense of relief and saves hundreds of dollars in repair bills.
Understanding the Root Causes of the p0117 code honda crv ect sensor Issue
To successfully resolve persistent engine faults, you should understand how your Honda’s electrical components operate under daily stress.
The P0117 circuit code indicates that the engine control unit has detected an excessively low voltage signal from the sensor terminal.
This code usually triggers because the sensor’s thermistor material has shorted out internally or a wire is grounding out directly against the engine frame.
If you suspect a wiring problem, check the harness carefully for signs of peeling plastic wrap or corrosion.
Engine heat and road grit often degrade the delicate wiring of a used honda crv code p0117 p0118 sensor over years of constant operation.
According to Honda factory service bulletins, a damaged wire loom can cause the p0117 code honda crv ect sensor fault to return even after installing brand new parts.
Always examine the entire wire path to make sure you do not experience an unexpected roadside breakdown due to a simple pinched cord.
How to Diagnose a High Voltage p0118 code honda crv ect sensor Code
The P0118 engine code signifies high voltage output, which means the computer senses an open circuit with near-infinite resistance.
This fault occurs when the sensor plug disconnects entirely or the internal brass filament breaks due to severe thermal stress.
Conducting a quick honda crv coolant sensor test with a standard digital multimeter can save you from replacing perfectly good parts.
Set your multimeter dial to the Ohms resistance mode and connect the probes to the two metal terminals inside the sensor cavity.
A healthy temperature sensor should register between 2,000 and 3,000 ohms of resistance when the engine is cold.
If your multimeter display shows “OL” or infinite resistance, your temperature sensor has failed and must be swapped immediately.
To keep your SUV operating reliably, choose high-quality original equipment manufacturer parts over cheap generic alternatives.
We want to ensure you get back on the road with complete confidence in your family vehicle.
Clearing the persistent p0118 code honda crv ect sensor error helps restore optimal fuel efficiency and smooth idling behavior instantly.
Proactive Steps for a Complete honda crv coolant temperature sensor fault fix
Simply installing a new sensor is sometimes only half the battle when managing a highly sensitive automotive cooling system.
If your SUV has traveled more than 100,000 miles, you should complete a thorough honda crv coolant flush alongside your sensor repair.
Degraded engine fluids lose their chemical protective qualities, allowing rust and scale to accumulate around the delicate sensor housing.
While your cooling system is drained, examine your radiator hoses for soft spots and perform a honda crv thermostat replacement if needed.
An old thermostat can easily stick shut, triggering massive engine heat spikes that threaten to blow your cylinder head gasket.
If you spot coolant puddling under your front bumper, you may also require a honda crv radiator replacement to cure hairline cracks in the plastic end tanks.
Investing minor effort into your cooling system today ensures you never suffer from a catastrophic engine meltdown on a busy family vacation.
Executing a proactive honda crv coolant temperature sensor fault fix keeps your vehicle running reliably for years to come.
Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid During Sensor Installation
One of the most expensive errors owners make is over-tightening the sensor threads into the soft aluminum housing.
Stripping these threads will cause massive fluid leaks and require an expensive professional machine shop repair.
Always hand-thread the replacement part and tighten it gently to the official factory torque limit of 11 foot-pounds.
Another dangerous mistake is failing to purge trapped air from your engine block after replacing the lost coolant.
Air bubbles will create localized hot spots, leading to engine knocking, poor cabin heat performance, and incorrect dashboard gauge readings.
Always run your engine with the radiator cap off and the cabin heater set to high until all air pockets have successfully bubbled out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I safely drive my CR-V with active P0117 or P0118 fault codes?
We strongly recommend against driving with these active codes because your vehicle’s engine computer cannot monitor real coolant temperatures. This issue can cause your engine to run too hot or inject too much fuel, which can quickly overheat the engine or ruin your catalytic converter.
How much does a professional shop charge to replace this sensor?
A typical repair shop will charge between $120 and $250 for parts and labor to complete this simple diagnostic fix. By doing this repair yourself in your garage, you can complete the work for under $40 in about forty-five minutes.
Does replacing my engine coolant sensor void my factory powertrain warranty?
Replacing a faulty sensor with an original equivalent part will not void your factory vehicle warranty. Federal consumer protection laws protect your right to complete basic maintenance and repairs at home without losing factory coverage.
“I’ve driven a CR-V for 4 years and didn’t know this existed.”
— The most common reaction when this article is shared
Did you know your backup camera has a hidden top-down ‘drone view’? Or that your cruise control automatically downshifts on steep mountain hills to save your brakes?
bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
Conclusion
Replacing a bad coolant sensor keeps your SUV running reliably and protects your family during long road trips.
Ready to get the most out of your SUV? Check out more guides on Vroomdan or email us at contact@vroomdan.com — our team is here to help you discover more SUV secrets and maintenance guides.