Circuit Description
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor uses a thermistor to control the signal voltage to the engine control module (ECM). The ECM supplies a 5-volt reference and a ground to the sensor. When the engine coolant is cold, the resistance is high, therefore the ECT signal voltage will be high. If the engine coolant is warm, sensor resistance becomes less, therefore the IAT signal voltage drops. At normal engine operating temperature, the voltage will be between 1.5-2 volts at the ECT signal terminal.
The ECT sensor is used to control following items:
| • | Fuel delivery |
| • | Ignition |
| • | Evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge valve |
| • | Idle air control (IAC) valve |
| • | Electric cooling fan |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The ECT is greater than -38°C (-36°F). |
| • | The engine run time is greater than 90 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate. |
| • | The ECM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers. |
| • | A history DTC is stored. |
| • | Both cooling fans turns ON. |
| • | The ECM will default to 20°C (68°F) for engine coolant temperature for the first 60 seconds of engine run time and then 92°C (198°F). The scan tool will not show the defaulted value. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The MIL will turn OFF after 4 consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault. |
| • | A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault. |
| • | DTCs can be cleared by using the scan tool. |
| • | Disconnect the ECM battery feed for more than 10 seconds. |
Diagnostic Aids
Normal operating temperature for the engine cooling system is between 90-95°C (194-203°F).
Use the Temperature vs. Resistance Values table to evaluate the possibility of a skewed sensor. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
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The On-Board Diagnostic System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the Freeze Frame and Failure Records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the malfunction occurred. The information is then stored on the scan tool for later reference.
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This step simulates a DTC P0117 condition. If the ECM senses the change, then the ECM and the ECT wiring are OK.
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The replacement ECM must be reprogrammed. Refer to the latest Techline procedure for ECM reprogramming.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Perform an On-Board Diagnostic System Check. Was the check performed? | -- | Go to Step 2 | ||
2 |
Is the engine coolant temperature (ECT) value less than the specified value? | -30°C (-22°F) | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 3 |
3 |
Is the ECT sensor value less than the specified value? | -30°C (-22°F) | Go to Step 4 | Go to Diagnostic Aids |
Is the ECT sensor value greater than the specified value? | 130°C (266°F) | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 | |
5 | Jumper the ECT sensor signal circuit at terminal 1 to ground. Is the ECT sensor value greater than the specified value? | 130°C (266°F) | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 8 |
6 | Inspect for a poor connection at the ECT sensor connector and repair or replace any malfunctioning terminal as needed. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 10 |
7 | Inspect the ECT sensor ground circuit for an open and repair as needed. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 9 |
8 | Inspect the ECT sensor signal circuit for an open and repair as needed. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 9 |
9 | Inspect for a poor ECT sensor ground circuit at terminal A32 or a poor ECT sensor signal circuit terminal A11 connection at the engine control module (ECM) and repair as needed. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 11 |
10 | Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 12 | -- |
Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 12 | -- | |
12 |
Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic has run and passed? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 2 |
13 | Are any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed? | -- | Go to applicable DTC table | System OK |
