Symptoms
There may be no noticeable symptoms if the problem is very intermittent, but the following events may occur:
- MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illumination
- Poor driving
- Black smoke at the exhaust pipe
- Poor fuel economy
- May not idle
- May experience stalling or misfires
Causes
Potential causes of code P2183 include:
- Missing or stuck-open thermostat
- Faulty ECT sensor No. 2
- Short or open in the signal wire
- Short or open in the ground wire
- Poor connections in the wiring
- ECT sensor
Possible Solutions
If there are other ECT sensor codes, diagnose them first.
Using a scan tool, check ECT readings #1 & #2. On a cold engine, it should match the IAT reading or be equal to the ambient (outside) temperature reading. If it matches the IAT or ambient temperature, check the freeze frame data on your scan tool (if available). The recorded data should tell you what the ECT reading was when the fault occurred.
a) If the recorded information indicates that the engine coolant reading was at the coldest extreme (approximately -30°F), this is a good indication that the ECT resistance was intermittently high (unless you live in Anchorage!) Check for an open in the ground and signal circuits of the ECT sensor and repair if necessary. If they appear correct, warm up the engine while monitoring the ECT for any intermittent high or low jumps. If there is, replace the ECT.
b) If the recorded information indicates that the engine coolant reading was at the hottest extreme (approximately 250+°F), this is a good indication that the ECT resistance was intermittently low. Check for a short to ground in the signal circuit and repair if necessary. If it appears correct, warm up the engine while monitoring the ECT for any intermittent high or low jumps. If there is, replace the ECT.