DTC P2185-00: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High: General Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2024 Kia Sorento. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS) is used to measure the temperature of the coolant/antifreeze mix in the cooling system, giving an indication of how much heat the engine is giving off. The sensor works with the vehicle's ECU, continually monitoring the coolant temperature to make sure the engine is running at the optimum temperature. To get an accurate reading of the current engine temperature, the ECU sends a regulated voltage to the CTS. The resistance of the sensor varies with temperature, this is how the ECU can monitor temperature changes. The ECU uses this reading to calculate the coolant temperature, and from there adjusts the fuel injection, fuel mix, and ignition timing, and controls when the electric cooling fan is switched on and off. This information is also used to send an accurate reading of the engine temperature to a gauge on the dashboard.