16502moderate severityPowertrain
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input
on 1996 Volkswagen GTI 2.0L I4 · FWD
What this code means
The coolant temperature sensor signal is too high (OBD P0118), indicating an implausibly cold reading. Often an open circuit or bad sensor.
Symptoms
- Hard cold start
- Rich running
- Check engine light on
Common causes
- Open circuit in wiring
- Faulty coolant temperature sensor
- Connector fault
- Faulty ECM
Diagnostic steps
- Read live coolant temp data
- Inspect wiring for open circuit
- Test sensor resistance
- Check connector and pins
🔌 Don't have a code reader?
Any of these will read and clear this code — pick by how deep you want to go.
Budget handheld~$40
ANCEL AD410 →
No-phone-needed handheld — reads, clears, live data, freeze frame.
✓ ANCEL official store
Serious DIY~$100
BlueDriver Pro →
Enhanced codes (ABS, airbag, TPMS) plus repair reports.
SHOP FAVORITEShop-grade tablet~$300
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S →
Bidirectional tests, service resets, all systems.
✓ Autel official store
Pro diagnostics$1,500+
Autel MaxiSys MS906 Pro →
Full-system pro platform — topology mapping, ECU coding, the works.
✓ Autel official store
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle
00532
Supply Voltage B+ Signal too Low
16394
Camshaft/Crankshaft Position Correlation Bank 1
16395
Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 1
16486
Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input
16487
Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
16500
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction
16501
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low Input
16514
O2 Sensor Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 1
16515
O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1
16516
O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1