P0118 Code On Citroen C3 2005 1.4 Petrol

[watercooled]

hi getting this fault.
the temp gauge goes from nothing to 3 bars and beeps, the fan is pretty much always on, the car water is not boiling hot so its not overheating.
sometimes the c3 will not start.

would this be due to the coolant sensor maybe ?

thanks in advance

 

[paul.h]

P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input

 

Check the coolant temp sensor on top of the cylinder head  - its electrical connector may be loose, the pins corroded, the wiring faulty or the sensor may need replacing. This is based on the sensor giving a resistance that reduces as the temp increases so if the resistance is higher than expected it could be giving the fault. At 10°C the sensor should be about 3800 ohms and at 90°C about 230 ohms. This would not put the fan on since it will be showing a low temperature although 3 bars on the gauge is normal - unless the sensor is faulty at a low temp but then works about right at normal temps. If the air con is on then that runs the engine fan. 

 

The car not starting could be related to the temp sensor if it is giving the wrong fuel/air ratio. Is the engine turning over on the starter motor when it does not start ?

 

See also this post for some useful info http://www.citroen-owners-club.co.uk/citroen/topic/22554-cooling-fan-problems/?do=findComment&comment=83642