Circuit Description
The instrument panel cluster (IPC) monitors the engine coolant level via a coolant level sensor. The sensor is a module that will switch to ground or provide an open circuit depending on the coolant level. The sensor provides a ground for low coolant level and an open circuit for normal coolant level. Upon every IGN3 powerup, the coolant level sensor grounds the signal circuit momentarily causing the signal circuit to go low. The coolant level sensor will then open the ground path, causing the signal circuit to go high for a predetermined amount of time regardless of coolant level. The IPC will use this toggling ground signal in order to perform diagnostics on the sensor. The IPC will start monitoring the coolant level, after the IPC has successfully detected a coolant level sensor present, when the IPC begins to receive an open circuit signal from the coolant sensor.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The ignition is turned from CRANK to RUN.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The IPC does not detect the signal circuit is grounded when the ignition is turned from CRANK to RUN.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The DIC will display the CHECK COOLANT & SERVICE SENSOR message.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | The DTC will become history if the IPC does not detect a failure the next time the ignition is turned from CRANK to RUN. |
| • | The history DTC will clear after 50 fault free ignition cycles. |
| • | The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool. |
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
-
Verifies that the fault is present.
-
Tests for an open in the signal circuit of the coolant level sensor. If the fuse in the jumper opens when you perform this test, the signal circuit is shorted to voltage.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Instrument Cluster Diagnostic System Check? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
Start the engine. Does the DIC display CHECK COOLANT & SERVICE SENSOR? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |
3 |
Does the test lamp illuminate? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 6 |
4 | Probe the ignition positive voltage circuit of the coolant level sensor with a test lamp that is connected to the ground circuit of the coolant level sensor. Does the test lamp illuminate? | -- | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 7 |
Does the scan tool display On? | -- | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 | |
6 | Test the ignition positive voltage circuit of the coolant level sensor for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 10 |
7 | Test the ground circuit of the coolant level sensor for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 10 |
8 | Test the signal circuit of the coolant level sensor for a short to voltage, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 10 |
9 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the coolant level sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 11 |
10 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the instrument panel cluster. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 12 |
11 | Replace the coolant level sensor. Refer to Coolant Level Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 13 | -- |
12 | Replace the instrument panel cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 13 | -- |
13 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK |
