# 2012 RAM 1500 - Engine code

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-ram-1500-engine-code/177140>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** ram\
**Created:** [May 29, 2021, 5:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-ram-1500-engine-code/177140 "2021-05-29T17:34:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![maxx9647](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ad7895/32.png) [@maxx9647](https://community.cartalk.com/u/maxx9647)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2021, 5:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-ram-1500-engine-code/177140/1 "2021-05-29T17:34:44Z")

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first start everyday i get code 2181 ( cooling system).  
engine and throttle body light comes on, coolant temp gauge doesnt function. erase code and everything is fine rest if day. no over heating, temp gauge. everything in cooling system and throttle body has been replaced. when erased everything is fine until next morning first start. then all over again.

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**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2021, 5:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-ram-1500-engine-code/177140/2 "2021-05-29T17:38:14Z")

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its probably your coolant temp sensor

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**Author:** ![maxx9647](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ad7895/32.png) [@maxx9647](https://community.cartalk.com/u/maxx9647)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2021, 5:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-ram-1500-engine-code/177140/3 "2021-05-29T17:54:09Z")

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replaced temp sensor 3 times with factory sensor, no change

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**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2021, 6:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-ram-1500-engine-code/177140/4 "2021-05-29T18:02:30Z")

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trace the wires back and see if there are any cuts ,chaffing or melting. it could be shorting out. also put a multimeter on it to see if its getting power to it.

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**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2021, 6:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-ram-1500-engine-code/177140/5 "2021-05-29T18:08:47Z")

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The most common cause of fault P2181 is a failing/leaking thermostat. The engine temperature increases too slowly causing this cooling system performance fault.

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**Author:** ![maxx9647](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ad7895/32.png) [@maxx9647](https://community.cartalk.com/u/maxx9647)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2021, 8:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-ram-1500-engine-code/177140/6 "2021-05-29T20:41:11Z")

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thermostat new, no leaks. brand new factory crate motor