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DTC codes / Chrysler codes / P1114

P1114 · ChryslerEngine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Intermittent Low Voltage

P1114 on Chrysler vehicles means the engine computer detected an intermittent low-voltage signal from the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor circuit. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) expects a steady voltage that drops as coolant warms, but it saw the signal briefly drop below the normal range or cut out entirely. This is an electrical fault in the sensor or its wiring, not a confirmed sensor failure.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeChrysler specific
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaFuel and air metering

Symptoms you may notice

  • Check Engine Light illuminated, often with no other noticeable symptoms
  • Temperature gauge behaving erratically or reading colder than normal
  • Poor fuel economy or rough running when the engine is cold
  • Cooling fan running constantly or not engaging at the correct temperature
  • Hard starting or stalling when the engine is cold
  • Intermittent driveability issues that come and go with vibration or weather

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Chafed, cracked, or corroded wiring between the ECT sensor and the PCM
  2. Loose or contaminated ECT sensor connector terminals
  3. Failing ECT sensor with an intermittent internal open circuit
  4. Coolant intrusion into the sensor connector or sensor body
  5. Poor ground connection at the engine block or PCM
  6. PCM connector terminal damage or internal PCM fault (rare)

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Inspect the ECT sensor connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or coolant intrusion, and repair as needed
  2. Measure the ECT sensor resistance cold and hot, and compare to Chrysler specifications to rule out an intermittent sensor
  3. Backprobe the sensor signal circuit at the PCM while wiggling the harness to catch intermittent voltage drops
  4. Check the sensor ground circuit for excessive resistance and verify engine block grounds are clean and tight
  5. Replace the ECT sensor if resistance testing or wiggle tests point to an internal fault
  6. Clear the code and perform a road test with a scan tool recording ECT voltage to confirm the repair

Intermittent ECT faults that fool technicians

  • A P1114 can set from a momentary voltage drop caused by a harness rubbing against a bracket, so a static resistance check at the sensor often passes while the fault is still present.
  • Chrysler ECT sensors share a ground path with other sensors, and a bad ground can create a low-voltage signal that looks like a failed sensor but is actually a grounding issue.
  • The code does not always mean the sensor is bad; coolant intrusion into the connector can create an intermittent short that only appears after the engine heats up and expands the connector.
  • Technicians who replace the sensor without wiggling the harness under load often see the code return because the root cause is a chafed wire hidden inside the loom.
  • A failing thermostat that sticks open can keep coolant temperatures low enough that the PCM interprets the slow voltage change as an intermittent low-voltage fault, even though the sensor is fine.

Can I keep driving with P1114?

You can usually drive short distances to a repair shop, but avoid long trips or heavy load until the fault is fixed because an intermittent temperature signal can cause poor cold-start behavior and incorrect cooling fan operation. If the temperature gauge stops working entirely or the engine overheats, stop driving and have the vehicle towed.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for Chrysler vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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