• | Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. |
• | Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach. |
• | Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category. |
Circuit | Short to Ground | Open/High Resistance | Short to Voltage | Signal Performance |
---|---|---|---|---|
ECT Sensor Signal | P0117 | P0118 | P0118* | P0116 |
Low Reference | -- | P0118 | P0118* | P0116 |
* Internal ECM or sensor damage may occur if the circuit is shorted to B+. |
Circuit | Short to Ground | Open | Short to Voltage |
---|---|---|---|
Operating Conditions: Engine operating in Closed Loop Parameter Normal Range: Varies with ambient temperature | |||
ECT Sensor Signal | 214°C (417°F) | -40°C (-40°F) | -40°C (-40°F)* |
Low Reference | -- | -40°C (-40°F) | -40°C (-40°F)* |
* Internal ECM or sensor damage may occur if the circuit is shorted to B+. |
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the ECT signal circuit and supplies a ground to the low reference circuit.
The following table illustrates the difference between temperature, resistance, and voltage:
ECT | ECT Resistance | ECT Signal Voltage |
---|---|---|
Cold | High | High |
Warm | Low | Low |
• | The engine run time is greater than 2 minutes. |
OR |
• | The ignition has been off for more than 6 hours before the vehicle is started. |
• | The DTC runs continuously when either of the above conditions are met. |
• | The engine run time is greater than 2 minutes. |
• | The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is greater than -10°C (+14°F). |
• | The DTC runs continuously when the above conditions are met. |
The ECM detects that the ECT sensor is greater than 149°C (300°F).
The ECM detects that the ECT sensor is less than -38°C (-34°F).
• | DTC P0117 and P0118 are Type A DTCs. |
• | The cooling fans will be commanded ON by the ECM. |
DTC P0117 and P0118 are Type A DTCs.
• | After starting the engine, the ECT sensor temperature should rise steadily, then stabilize after the thermostat opens. |
• | Test the ECT sensor at various temperature levels in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed sensor. A skewed sensor can result in a driveability condition. |
• | If the vehicle has set overnight, the ECT sensor and the IAT sensor values should display within 3°C (5°F). |
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
Control Module References for scan tool information
⇒ | If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM. |
⇒ | If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM. |
Important: If the fuse in the jumper wire opens, the signal circuit is shorted to a voltage and the sensor may be damaged.
⇒ | If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM. |
Important: A thermometer can be used to test the sensor off the vehicle.
⇒ | If not within the specified range, replace the ECT sensor. |
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
• | Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming |