Circuit 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 signal circuit and supplies a ground to the low reference circuit. If the ECM detects an excessively high ECT signal voltage, which is a low temperature indication, this DTC sets.
The following table illustrates the difference between temperature, resistance, and voltage:
ECT | ECT Resistance | ECT Signal Voltage |
|---|---|---|
Cold | High | High |
Warm | Low | Low |
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The engine is running for more than 120 seconds. |
| • | DTC P0118 runs continuously once the above condition is met. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECM detects that the ECT sensor is less than -39°C (-38°F) for more than 6 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails. |
| • | The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records. |
| • | Both cooling fans turn ON. |
| • | The ECM will default to 20°C (68°F) for engine coolant temperature for the first 60 seconds of engine run time, and then 92°C (198°F). The scan tool will not show the defaulted value. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 4 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
| • | 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 engine has sat overnight, the ECT sensor and the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor values should display within 3°C (5°F). Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance . |
| • | For an intermittent condition, refer to Intermittent Conditions . |
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views | ||||||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |||||
2 |
Important: The cooling fans are commanded ON when certain DTCs are set.
Is the ECT sensor parameter less than the specified value? | -39°C (-38°F) | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 3 | ||||
3 |
Did the DTC fail this ignition? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||||
4 |
Is the voltage more than the specified value? | 5.2 V | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 6 | ||||
5 |
Important: The control module or the sensor may be damaged if the circuit is shorted to battery positive voltage. Test the ECT sensor signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 12 | ||||
6 |
Is the ECT sensor parameter at the specified value? | 214°C 417°F) | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 7 | ||||
7 |
Is the ECT sensor parameter at the specified value? | 214°C (417°F) | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 | ||||
8 | Test the signal circuit of the ECT sensor for an open or for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 12 | ||||
9 |
Important:
Test the ECT sensor low reference circuit for an open, for a high resistance, or for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 12 | ||||
10 | Test the ECT signal circuit for a short to any 5-volt reference circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 11 | ||||
11 | Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ECT sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 13 | ||||
12 | Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 14 | ||||
13 |
Important: If a short to voltage occurs, the ECT sensor may be damaged. Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 15 | -- | ||||
14 | Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 15 | -- | ||||
15 |
Did the DTC fail this ignition? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 16 | ||||
16 | Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool. Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed? | -- | System OK | |||||
