VOLVO
ECM-274C - 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 (20)
- 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)2006–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2008Engine B5254T3, B5254T7 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2009–2012Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2006Engine 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)2006Engine B5204T5, B5254T2 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2006–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2008–2012Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2006–2007Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2008Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2006Engine B5244T4, B5254T2 only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2007Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2006–2012Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2013–2014Engine B5254T9 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2015
What does this fault code mean?
The ECM compares a temperature signal from the sensor that is too high with a calculated engine temperature, taking speed and load into account. If the signal stays above a limit and does not fall within a set time, the code is set.
Possible causes
- Damaged engine coolant temperature sensor
- Poor contact from resistance or oxidation in the connections
- Too little coolant in the cooling system
- Damaged thermostat
- Clogged radiator
What you can do
- 1Disconnect the connector to the electric cooling fan before working in the engine bay, since the fan can run even when the ignition is off
- 2Check the coolant level and freeze protection, and that the cooling system is not leaking
- 3Check that the connector on the temperature sensor is seated firmly and clean
- 4With diagnostic equipment, read the engine temperature while driving and see whether it falls once the engine is warm
- 5Have a workshop check the thermostat, the radiator and the sensor if the fault remains
Symptoms you may notice2
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on
- The engine is hard to start
What the fault can affect1
- The engine temperature is calculated using a model
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.