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 low ECT signal voltage, which is a high 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 P0117 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The ignition is ON or the engine is running. |
| • | This DTC runs continuously once the above condition is met. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECM detects that the ECT voltage is less than 0.03 volts for more than 3 seconds.
Action Taken when the DTC Sets
| • | The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate. |
| • | The ECM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers. |
| • | A history DTC is stored. |
| • | The coolant fan turns ON. |
| • | The ECM will default to 20°C (68°F) for the first 60 seconds of the 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 MIL will turn OFF after 4 consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault. |
| • | A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault. |
| • | DTCs can be cleared by using the scan tool. |
Diagnostic Aids
| • | An overheating condition may cause this DTC to set. |
| • | After starting the engine, the ECT sensor temperature should rise steadily, then stabilize after the thermostat opens. |
| • | 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 vehicle has set 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 Connect End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views | ||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
2 |
Important: The cooling fan is commanded ON when certain DTCs are set.
Is the temperature at or more than the specified value? | 129°C (264°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 temperature at the specified value? | -40°C (-40°F) | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 |
5 | Test the signal circuit of the ECT sensor for a short to ground or for a short to the low reference circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 7 |
6 | Test for shorted terminals and for poor connections 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 10 | Go to Step 8 |
7 | Test for shorted terminals and for poor connections 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 10 | Go to Step 9 |
8 | Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 10 | -- |
9 | Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 10 | -- |
10 |
Did the DTC fail this ignition? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 11 |
11 | Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed? | -- | System OK | |
