Diagnostic Instructions
| • | 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. |
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0128: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Below Thermostat Regulating TemperatureDiagnostic Fault Information
Circuit | Short to Ground | High Resistance | Open | Short to Voltage | Signal Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECT Sensor Signal | P0117 | P0118 | P0118 | P0118* | P0116, P0128 |
Low Reference | -- | P0118 | P0118 | P0118* | P0128 |
*ECM or sensor damage may occur if the circuit is shorted to B+. | |||||
Typical Scan Tool Data
Circuit | Normal Range | Short to Ground | Open | Short to Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operating Conditions: Engine operating in Closed Loop Parameter Normal Range: Varies with coolant temperature | ||||
ECT Sensor Signal | -39 to +120°C (-38 to +248°F) | 150°C (302°F) | -40°C (-40°F) | -40°C (-40°F) |
Low Reference | -- | -- | -40°C (-40°F) | -40°C (-40°F) |
Circuit/System Description
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 sensor signal circuit and supplies a ground to the low reference circuit.
The purpose of this diagnostic is to analyze the performance of the thermostat by using the ECT sensor to determine if the engine coolant will increase at the correct rate, and also to meet the calibrated target temperatures under various operating conditions.
The ECM uses the start-up ECT and the start-up intake air temperature (IAT) to begin the diagnostic calculation. The air flow into the engine is accumulated, and vehicle speed, distance, and engine run time are also factored in, to determine if the ECT does increase normally, and reach the calibrated target temperatures.
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0106, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0171, P0172, P0174, P0175, P0502, P0503 are not set. |
| • | The start-up IAT is more than -7°C (+19°F). |
| • | The start-up ECT is less than 70°C (158°F), when the IAT is above 10°C (50°F). |
| • | The start-up ECT is less than 50°C (122°F), when the IAT is below 10°C (50°F). |
| • | The engine run time is between 120 seconds and 22 minutes. |
| • | The vehicle has traveled more than 3.9 kilometers (2.4 miles) at greater than 8 km/h (5 mph). |
| • | The accumulated airflow is between 20-75 g/s, with the minimum average airflow greater than 10 g/s. |
| • | The fuel ethanol percentage is less than 87 percent. |
| • | This DTC runs once per ignition cycle within the enabling conditions. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECM detects that the minimum ECT of 75°C (167°F) has not been met, when the IAT is greater than 10°C (50°F).
OR
The ECM detects that the minimum ECT of 55°C (131°F) has not been met, when the IAT is less than 10°C (50°F).
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
DTC P0128 is a Type B DTC.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
DTC P0128 is a Type B DTC.
Diagnostic Aids
| • | DTC P0128 occurring with insufficient vehicle interior heating is an indication of improper thermostat operation. |
| • | Inspect the ECT sensor terminals and the ECT harness connector for corrosion. This condition results in a greater voltage on the ECT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a colder ECT. |
| • | This diagnostic runs in a specific range. Measure and record the resistance of the ECT sensor at various ambient temperatures between -7 and +80°C (+19 and +176°F), then compare those measurements to the Temperature Versus Resistance. |
| • | A slight to moderate resistance in the ECT sensor signal circuit or low reference circuit will affect this diagnostic. This condition results in a greater voltage on the ECT sensor signal circuit which is interpreted by the ECM as a colder ECT. |
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Connector End View Reference
Electrical Information Reference
DTC Type Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
- Ignition OFF, inspect the cooling system surge tank for the proper coolant level. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing and Cooling System Draining and Filling.
- Ignition OFF for 8 hours or greater.
- Ignition ON, observe the scan tool IAT Sensor and ECT Sensor parameters. The ECT, IAT, and ambient temperatures should be within 6°C (11°F) of each other.
- Use the scan tool to verify the proper operation of the engine cooling system fans.
- Verify the proper heat range and the operation of the thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis.
- Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.
Caution: Under pressure, the temperature of the solution in the radiator can be considerably higher, without boiling. Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot (pressure is high), will cause the solution to boil instantaneously, with explosive force. The solution will spew out over the engine, fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result. Flammable antifreeze, such as alcohol, is not recommended for use at any time. Flammable antifreeze could cause a serious fire.
Important: A critical analysis of the operation of the thermostat is necessary to properly diagnose these DTCs.
Circuit/System Testing
Important: All electrical components and accessories must be turned OFF and allowed to power down.
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the ECT harness connector at the ECT sensor.
- Ignition OFF for 90 seconds, test for less than 5 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal A and ground.
- Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECT Sensor parameter is less than -39°C (-38°F).
- Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal B and the low reference circuit terminal A. Verify the scan tool ECT Sensor parameter is greater than 149°C (300°F).
- If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ECT sensor.
| ⇒ | 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. |
| ⇒ | If colder 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. |
Component Testing
Measure and record the resistance of the ECT sensor at various ambient temperatures, then compare those measurements to the Temperature vs Resistance Table. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
| • | Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming |
