Good day all. My name is Tiffany. I am new to this forum. I would like some input on a problem m having. I have a 2002 Dodge Dakota 3.9 engine. I'm getting code P0118. I have replaced the sensor and checked the wiring. All seem to be in order. However with the sensor plugged in. The temp reads cold with no start. with the temp unplugged the gauge reads hot with start. Vehicle is dumping excessive fuel also.

What do you think is this problem?

 

Hi Tiffany. Welcome to DF!

So far as I know, your truck only has the one temp sensor, should be a two wire feller. RIght? Do you have a voltmeter, that you can use to see what voltage you are getting on the two wires for the sensor?

Moving this to 2nd Gen Dak section for ya as well.

 

You have an electrical short between the sensor and the computer. If it reads anything unplugged it is shorted out to something somewhere you need to track down the short. Just trace the 2 lines from the temperature sensor back to the computer you will likely find it was damaged somehow when the vehicle was serviced for something else or rubbed through due to poor wire harness location.