Powertrain, generic · Fuel and air metering

P011E Engine Coolant Temperature 1 / Ambient Air Temperature Correlation

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

After a long standstill, typically six to eight hours, the coolant should have cooled to roughly the outside air temperature measured by the ambient sensor in the bumper or mirror. P011E compares coolant temperature sensor 1 with the ambient sensor at start-up and is set when they differ beyond a calibrated limit and no preheater was detected. The code does not say which of the two sensors is wrong. No manufacturer document using exactly this code was found; the description rests on the CARB requirement for coolant sensor plausibility and on the same cold-soak comparison that Ford (reported as P0071), GM/Saab and Mazda perform under other codes.

Likely causes

Coolant temperature sensor 1 drifting
Ambient temperature sensor drifting or affected by engine heat or sun
Preheater not detected
Contact resistance in one sensor's connector or wiring

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Usually no driving symptoms
  • Outside temperature display possibly wrong

Repair estimate

DifficultyEasyDIY possible
Parts and labour€30–200
Time0.3–1.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

engine coolant temperature sensorambient air temperature sensorsensor wiring

Related codes

P011FP011BP011AP0116P0071

References: law.cornell.edu, static.nhtsa.gov, fordservicecontent.com, saabwisonline.com.