OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic, extended)
P2185 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High
The second coolant temperature sensor (often radiator-outlet or cylinder-head bank) reports a voltage above the upper threshold — typically an open signal wire or a sensor with infinite resistance.
Is it safe to drive with P2185?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelySensor element open
- PossibleSignal wire open
- Less likelyConnector pins corroded - high contact resistance
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 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- After the fix
- A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
- Parts involved
- Coolant Temperature Sensor 2, Sensor Wiring
Related codes
- P01E6Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit High
- P2AFFEngine Coolant Temperature Sensor 4 Circuit High
- P2B2EEngine Coolant Temperature Sensor 5 Circuit High
- P2BB9Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 6 Circuit High
- P2182Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit
- P2183Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Range/Performance
- P2184Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Low
- P2186Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Low
- P2187System Too Lean at Idle (Bank 1)
- P2188System Too Rich at Idle (Bank 1)
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.