VOLVO
ECM-273C - Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. Signal too high
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
Applies to the following models:
9 modelsC30 (2007–2013), C70 (2006–2013), S40 (2004–2013), S60 (2001–2009), S80 (1999–2006), V50 (2004–2013), V70 (2000–2008), V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007), XC90 (2003–)
Show models by year and engine (22)
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2008–2013Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2006–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2008–2013Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2005–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2008Engine B5254T3, B5254T7 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2009–2012Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2005Engine B5204T5, B5244T4, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2007Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2008–2009Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2 only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2005Engine B5204T5, B5244T4, B5254T2, B6294S2, B6294T only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2006Engine B5244T4 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2005–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2008–2012Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2005Engine B5204T5, B5244T4, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2007Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T4 only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2005All engines except: D5244T
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2007Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2005Engine B5254T2, B6294T only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2007–2012Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2013–2014Engine B5254T9 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2015
What does this fault code mean?
The ECM reads the coolant temperature sensor signal. If the signal shows a temperature above a certain value, the ECM treats it as a fault and the code is set. The causes are a signal wire shorted to ground or a damaged sensor.
Possible causes
- Signal wire shorted to ground
- The engine coolant temperature sensor is damaged
What you can do
- 1Disconnect the connector to the electric cooling fan before troubleshooting, since the fan can run even when the ignition is off
- 2Read the code, clear it and road test the car to see whether it returns
- 3Use a multimeter to check that the sensor signal wire has no contact with ground when the connector is unplugged
- 4Look at the sensor connector for oxidation and loose connections
- 5Have a workshop replace the coolant temperature sensor if the wire is intact and the fault remains
Symptoms you may notice2
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on
- The engine is hard to start
What the fault can affect3
- Engine temperature is modelled rather than measured
- Catalytic converter heating, starting adaptation and idle and misfire diagnostics are disabled
- The electric cooling fan runs at a predefined speed
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.