Car says it's overheating but it's not overheating

[Jomo1]

Hi,
My wife's car has a P011A code and the dashboard says it's overheating. The overflow and radiator coolant level is fine and the fans are both working. My scanning tool says that the coolant temperature is 250F. That can't be correct!
I changed the ect sensor which was mounted to the engine anon change at all.
Any idea what I should try next?
I want to install a real temperature gauge in the car but am thinking that if I install a sensor for this new gauge in the same location as the original ect, then the computer would not like this. Any work arounds?
Thanks.
Jomo

 

[HyFlyer]

Does the car show normal temperature from cold and then just keeps getting hotter or it's showing 250°F from a cold start?

How's your water pump belt? Water pump itself?

 

[AL Cx5]

250F should throw a warning code. I'd be on the side of the road letting it cool down....

Apps like Torque will give you the ECT. You need a bluetooth OBD2 bluetooth device. Or a scanner, maybe the local parts store will scan you ECT.

Has the coolant system been opened up at a hose/t stat or other area? It may have an air bubble in the system. That will cause it to overheat.

This code says the engine has two ECT sensors. I would check both for wiring issues and maybe replace both.

Then, I'd be looking at the thermostat and be sure the water pump is pumping. You can temporarily remove the T stat and see if it still overheats. It may throw a low temp code at this point too. If it were mine, I would replace the T stat and BURP the rad if I went to the trouble to open up the coolant system.

While you have it open, replace the rad cap. They are cheap. I just replaced mine on my truck and it stabilized ECT and no more coolant lose.


I wouldn't drive it much or NOT at all until you get it figured out. Aluminum block and heads don't do well at high temps.

Good luck

P011A Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1/2 Correlation

 

[Jomo1]

The warning light comes on within a minute of starting the car cold. My cooling system was opened only to replace one of the ect sensors

 

[HyFlyer]

Sooooo, how bout that belt and water pump ?

 

[Jmaz]

The warning light comes on within a minute of starting the car cold. My cooling system was opened only to replace one of the ect sensors

Engine won't even be warm yet after only a minute after starting. It takes time to warm up hundreds of pounds of metal much less get it to overheat temperature. At that point it wouldn't be water pump related if it ever was. I'd guess sensor or wiring/ electrical connector issue.