• | Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. |
• | Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach. |
• | Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provide 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, P0128 |
Low Reference | -- | P0118 | P0118 | P0128 |
Circuit | Short to Ground | Open | Short to Voltage |
---|---|---|---|
Operating Conditions: Engine Running Parameter Normal Range: -39 to +120°C (-38 to +248°F) | |||
ECT Sensor Signal | 149°C (300°F) | -40°C (-40°F) | -40°C (-40°F) |
Low Reference | -- | -40°C (-40°F) | -40°C (-40°F) |
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 signal circuit and a ground for the low reference circuit. The ECM uses this high side coolant rationality diagnostic to determine if the input from the ECT sensor is skewed warmer than normal. The internal clock of the ECM will record the amount of time the ignition is OFF. If the calibrated ignition OFF time is met at start-up, the ECM will compare the temperature difference between the ECT and the intake air temperature (IAT) to determine if the temperatures are within an acceptable operating range of each other.
• | DTCs P0117, P0118, P0182, P0183, P2610, P2184, P2185 are not set. |
• | The engine OFF timer is greater than 10 hours. |
• | The ignition is ON. |
• | The engine run time is greater than 2 seconds. |
• | The start-up IAT is warmer than 10°C (50°F). |
• | DTC P0116 runs once per drive cycle within the enabling conditions. |
The ECM detects a start-up temperature difference between the ECT sensor and the IAT sensor 2 of more than 15°C (59°F). If the ECT temperature decreases more than 5°C (41.5°F), with an engine RPM greater than 650 within the first 60 seconds of engine run time, a block heater is detected and the test is aborted. If the ECT temperature does not decrease, a block heater was not detected and DTC P0116 sets.
DTC P0116 is a Type B DTC.
DTC P0116 is a Type B DTC.
• | Inspect the ECT sensor terminals for corrosion and for engine coolant leaking through the sensor. Engine coolant that is leaking through the sensor will create a high resistance short to ground. This condition results in less voltage on the ECT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a warmer ECT. |
• | An IAT sensor that is skewed colder at various ambient temperatures due to greater resistance than is normal will increase the range between these two sensors. Measure and record the resistance of the IAT sensor at various ambient temperatures, then compare those measurements to the Temperature vs Resistance table. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance. |
• | A slight to moderate resistance in the IAT sensor signal circuit or low reference circuit will increase the range between these two sensors. This condition results in a greater voltage on the IAT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a colder IAT. |
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
Control Module References for scan tool information
Important: Determine the ambient temperature by using an accurate thermometer.
⇒ | 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 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. |
Measure and record the resistance of the ECT sensor at various ambient temperatures and compare those measurements to the Temperature vs. Resistance table. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance.
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
• | Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming |