OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P01E4 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit Range/Performance
ECT sensor 3 reading implausible. The engine coolant temperature sensor feeds warm-up enrichment, fan control and closed-loop entry — a stuck-cold reading keeps the engine in open loop and rich forever.
Is it safe to drive with P01E4?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelySensor reading drifted
- Less likelySensor element aged beyond calibration window
- Less likelySensor mounting loose - signal damping
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Cooling fan runs constantly or not at all
- Cabin heater weak or excessively hot
- Possible long warm-up time or hard cold start
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Easy
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.3–1.5 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- After the fix
- A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
- Parts involved
- Ect Sensor 3
Related codes
- P2183Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Range/Performance
- P01E1Cylinder 12 Injection Timing Performance - Over Retarded
- P01E2Cylinder 12 Injection Timing Performance - Over Advanced
- P01E3Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit
- P01E5Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit Low
- P01E6Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit High
- P01E7Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.