The key dance is turning the key on, then off, then on, then off and then on and leave it on. Do NOT try to start, just engage the ignition. If you bump the starter, the computer wont go into test mode. Depending on the year, you will have the check engine light begin flashing or on newer ones, have any codes displayed in the odometer.

 

Hey, thanks so much. I got a code reading of P0118 which seems to be telling me that my "ECT Sens Voltage Too Hi." So does that mean I need to replace the coolant sensor or check something else?

 

Thanks so much, mine is a 2001 Ram 1500 5.9
I got a code reading of P0118 in the odometer display and that's telling me I have a "ECT Sens Voltage Too Hi."
So that seems to be the coolant temp. sensor and where do I go from there?

 

The first thing I'd check is the plug. If a wire is pulled loose a little bit, it may cause excessive resistance. Swing by a salvage yard and snip a good one. Cheaper and easier than replacing the sensor, especially if the sensor is good.

 

Think I would be checking what the voltage at the sensor is..... after all, it is whining about voltage too high.