GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0128: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature

Diagnostic 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

ECT Sensor Temperature

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 warmer 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 colder than 50°C (122°F), when the IAT is below 10°C (50°F).
    • The engine run time is between 90 seconds and 22 minutes.
    • The vehicle has traveled greater than 2.4 kilometers (1.5 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 85 percent.
    • This DTC runs once per ignition cycle when the above conditions are met.

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 to +80°C (+19 to +176°F), then compare those measurements to the Temperature Versus Resistance table. Refer to 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

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. If the ignition has been OFF for 8 hours or more, the ECT and the IAT, should be within 6°C (11°F) of each other and also the ambient temperature. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF, and use a scan tool to observe the IAT and the ECT sensor parameters.
  2. Use the scan tool to verify the proper operation of the engine cooling system fans.
  3. Warning: 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.

  4. Turn OFF the ignition.
  5. Inspect the cooling system surge tank for the proper engine coolant level. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing and Cooling System Draining and Filling.
  6. Note: A critical analysis of the operation of the thermostat is necessary to properly diagnose these DTCs.

  7. Verify the proper heat range, and the operation of the thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis.
  8. Operate the vehicle with 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.

Circuit/System Testing

Note: All electrical components and accessories must be turned OFF and allowed to power down.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the ECT harness connector at the ECT sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF for 90 seconds, test for less than 5 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal A and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit terminal A for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECT Sensor parameter is less than -39°C (-38°F).
  5. If warmer than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal B for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. 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).
  7. 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.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ECT sensor.

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.

    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement
    •  Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming