P0119: Engine coolant temperature sensor circuit intermittent

What P0119 means

Engine temperature changes gradually, so if the signal jumps suddenly or vanishes, the ECU knows it is not real and stores this code. It is usually a poor contact that shows up with vibration or heat. While it lasts, the ECU may handle the fan or the fuel mixture badly.

Most common causes

• Loose sensor connector, spread pins or coolant inside it
• Corroded connector terminals
• A wire broken inside its insulation making contact on and off
• Loose engine earth
• The sensor itself with an intermittent internal fault

Symptoms

• Temperature gauge jumping suddenly
• Radiator fan switching on for no reason
• Engine warning light coming and going
• Rough idle or jerking when cold

Can you drive with P0119?

With care You can drive, but watch the temperature: with a faulty signal the ECU may not switch the fan on in time. Get it to a garage soon.

How to check it

With the engine idling and coolant temperature on screen, gently wiggle the sensor connector and wiring. If the reading jumps as you move them, that is the poor contact; also check for coolant inside the connector.

How to read and clear P0119 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0119 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

• P0115 Engine coolant temperature sensor circuit fault
• P0116 Engine coolant temperature sensor range or performance
• P0117 Engine coolant temperature sensor circuit low
• P0118 Engine coolant temperature sensor circuit high
• P0120 Throttle or pedal position sensor A: circuit fault
• P0121 Throttle or pedal position sensor A: out of expected range
• P0122 Throttle or pedal position sensor A: low signal
• P0123 Throttle or pedal position sensor A: high signal
• P0100 Mass or volume air flow sensor circuit fault
• P0101 Air flow sensor range or performance problem
• P0102 Air flow sensor circuit low input
• P0103 Air flow sensor circuit high input

P0119 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Citroën, Hyundai, Mini, Renault, Seat, Volvo. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.