OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P01E6 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit High
ECT sensor 3 signal voltage above expected range. 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 P01E6?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelySignal wire open
- Less likelyConnector pins corroded - high contact resistance
- Less likelySupply wire pinched against B+ source
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
- Parts involved
- Ect Sensor 3, Sensor Wiring
Related codes
- P2185Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High
- P2AFFEngine Coolant Temperature Sensor 4 Circuit High
- P2B2EEngine Coolant Temperature Sensor 5 Circuit High
- P2BB9Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 6 Circuit High
- P01E3Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit
- P01E4Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit Range/Performance
- P01E5Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit Low
- P01E7Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P01E8Engine Coolant Heater A Control Circuit/Open
- P01E9Engine Coolant Heater A Control Circuit Low
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.