GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2002 🢒 Express 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Theft Deterrent 🢒 DTC P0118

Circuit Description

The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor that controls the signal voltage to the powertrain control module (PCM). When the engine is cold, the sensor resistance is high, therefore the PCM will see a high signal voltage. As the engine warms, the sensor resistance becomes less and the voltage drops. The voltage measured across the thermistor is interpreted as a temperature.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine has been operating for at least 8 minutes.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The ECT is less than -30°C (-22°F).
    • The conditions were met for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Check the harness routing for a potential short to voltage. After the engine is started, the ECT temperature should steadily increase to approximately 85°C (185°F). A mis-scaled sensor could result in poor driveability complaints.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step determines if DTC P0118 is a hard failure or an intermittent condition.

    2.

  2. This step will determine if there is a wiring condition or a malfunctioning PCM.

    3.

  3. This step determines if there is a short to voltage on the signal circuit. A short to voltage increases the current flow through the sensor, which overwhelms the sensor. This does not allow the sensor to pull down the circuit to the correct voltage and thus display the correct temperature.

    4.

  4. After repairing the short to voltage, check the sensor for proper operation.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Connect a scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Monitor the ECT display on scan tool.

Does the ECT display a temperature colder than or equal to the specified value?

-30°C (-22°F)

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

  1. Turn OFF the engine.
  2. Turn ON the ignition.
  3. Disconnect the ECT sensor connector.
  4. Jumper the ECT harness terminals together.

Does the scan tool display an ECT temperature that is more than or equal to the specified value?

151°C (303°F)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Jumper the ECT sensor signal circuit to a known good ground.

Does the scan tool display an ECT temperature that is more than or equal to the specified value?

151°C (303°F)

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

5

The DTC is intermittent. If no other DTCs are stored, refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Are than any other DTCs stored?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Diagnostic Aids

6
  1. Inspect the sensor connector for a proper connection.
  2. If a condition is found, repair the condition as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 9

7
  1. Check the ECT sensor ground circuit for an open between the ECT sensor and the PCM.
  2. If a condition is found, repair the condition as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

8
  1. Check the ECT sensor signal circuit for an open between the ECT sensor and the PCM.
  2. If a condition is found, repair the condition as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

9

With a DMM set to the mA scale, measure the current at the ECT harness connector terminals.

Is the current less than the specified value?

48 mA

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

10

Repair the short to voltage on the ECT signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 14

--

11

Inspect the PCM connectors for faulty connections and replace the terminals, if necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

12

Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 14

--

13

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 14

--

14
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Allow the engine to idle until the normal operating temperature is reached.
  4. Select DTC and the Specific DTC function.
  5. Enter the DTC number that was set.
  6. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Setting this DTC until the scan tool indicates the diagnostic ran.

Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic passed?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 2

15

Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK