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2014 RAM 3500 6.4 HEMI, 4 x 4, Service Electronic Throttle Control & P2181 code
2104 RAM 3500 4 x 4 HEMI 6.4, 105150 miles, has started randomly (and frequently) throwing a Service Electronic Throttle Control to the console and giving the red lightning bolt. When it does that, the temperature sensor also stops registering (both analog gauge and digital monitor on console). The throttle continues to operate normally (no limp mode) and cruise control continues to work normally. When the temperature stops registering, a permanent DTC P2181 is shown. The Service Electronic Throttle Control will clear on the next start but the check-engine light and the P2181 persists until reset through 3 restarts and a greater than 10 minute run time. The coolant temps show rapid warming up to around 170F (ambient temps about 30F) when driving or idling.
Is this likely a sensor problem (that requires replacement), a short somewhere, or will the thermostat not working correctly cause the throttle control error message? I'd like to at least have a good diagnosis if I can't fix it myself. Thanks.
More information: This appears to be cold-related. I could reproduce the problem repeatedly, when the temperature was below 40F. As soon as the engine temperature reached 180F, the Service Electronic Throttle Control message appeared and the thermometers zeroed out. I have confirmed that the thermostat is electronically controlled, not mechanically.
However, later in the day when temps reached 60F, I could not reproduce the problem. The CEL cleared on starting and the engine temperature went to 185F, where it held, and neither the Service Throttle Control message nor the CEL reoccurred in a 50 mile drive.
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