P011F code meaning
Engine Coolant Temperature 2 / Ambient Air Temperature Correlation
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P011F means
This is the counterpart of P011E for the second coolant temperature sensor and only exists on engines that have one – for example at the engine outlet, the radiator or in the heater circuit. After a long standstill sensor 2 should also read roughly the outside temperature; if it disagrees with the ambient sensor beyond a calibrated limit at start-up, P011F is set without saying which sensor is wrong. No manufacturer document using exactly this code was found; the description rests on CARB plus the cold-soak comparisons documented by Mazda (sensor 2 in the heater hose) and Ford under other codes.
P011F at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P011F
- Check engine light on
- Usually no driving symptoms
Common causes of P011F
- PossibleCoolant temperature sensor 2 drifting
- PossibleAmbient temperature sensor faulty or influenced
- PossiblePreheater or block heater
- Less likelyContact resistance at sensor 2
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Engine coolant temperature sensor 2Ambient air temperature sensorSensor wiring
What each part of P011F means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 1F | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P011F and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P011F
What does P011F mean?
P011F means "Engine Coolant Temperature 2 / Ambient Air Temperature Correlation". This is the counterpart of P011E for the second coolant temperature sensor and only exists on engines that have one – for example at the engine outlet, the radiator or in the heater circuit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P011F?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P011F fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P011F is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P011F to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P011F clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.