Circuit Description
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor, a variable resistor whose conductive value changes with engine coolant temperature, in series with a fixed resistor in the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM applies 5 volts to the ECT sensor. The PCM monitors the voltage across the ECT sensor and converts the voltage into a temperature reading. When the engine is cold the ECT sensor resistance is high, and when the engine is warm the ECT sensor resistance is low. Therefore, when the engine is cold the PCM will receive a high voltage input, and when the engine is warm the PCM will receive a low voltage input.
Condition for Running the DTC
The ignition is ON or the engine is running.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The ECT sensor signal indicates an engine coolant temperature of -40°C (-40°F). |
| • | The above condition is met for at least 5 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame buffer. |
| • | The PCM enters the Fail-Safe Function and assumes the engine coolant temperature is 30°C (86°F) on M/T and 3 speed A/T, 31°C (88°F) on 4 speed A/T. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The MIL turns off after 3 consecutively passing cycles without a fault present. |
| • | A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault. |
| • | Perform the scan tool clear DTC Information function in order to clear the DTC. |
Diagnostic Aids
Check for any of the following conditions:
| • | A damaged wiring harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the ECT display on the scan tool while moving the connectors and the wiring harnesses related to the ECT sensor. A change in the ECT display will indicate the location of the fault. |
| • | When replacing the ECT sensor, the Temperature to Resistance Value scale may be used to test the sensor at various temperature levels to evaluate the possibility of a shifted and incorrectly calibrated sensor. A shifted sensor may result in poor driveability complaints. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance . |
| • | After the engine is started, the ECT sensor should rise steadily to about 95°C (203°F) and stabilize when the thermostat opens. Verify that the engine is not overheating and has not been subjected to conditions which may create an overheating conditions (i.e., overload, trailer towing, hilly terrain, heavy stop-and-go traffic, etc.). |
| • | A shorted to voltage sensor signal circuit may cause DTC P0118 to set. |
If a DTC P0118 is intermittent, driving the vehicle under the following conditions can verify whether the fault is present. Perform the scan tool clear DTC information function. Road test the vehicle while monitoring the DTC P0118 diagnostic on the scan tool under the Not Ran Since Code Cleared selection in the DTC Information menu. If a DTC P0118 appears in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the P0118 diagnostic has not yet run. When the DTC P0118 does not appear in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the P0118 diagnostic has run. If the MIL is NOT illuminated, and there is no Pending DTC Status in DTC Information, the P0118 diagnostic has passed. The DTCs MUST be cleared in order to view the Current Status of the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list. DO NOT forget that the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list only indicates that the test has run, not whether the test passed or failed. The DTC Information screen must be checked for Current or Pending status, in order to determine the outcome of the diagnostic test involved.
An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a fault in the ETC sensor circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and components for any of the following conditions:
| • | Any backed-out terminals |
| • | Any improper mating of terminals |
| • | Any broken electrical connector locks |
| • | Any improperly formed or damaged terminals |
| • | Any faulty terminal-to-wire connections |
| • | Any physical damage to the wiring harness |
| • | A broken wire inside the insulation |
| • | Any corrosion of the electrical connections, the splices, or the terminals |
If the DTC P0118 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful in determining vehicle operating conditions when the DTC was first set.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.
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The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.
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Determine if a fault is present.
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Review the Freeze Frame data to determine when the DTC set. Always record this information.
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This step determines if the fault is caused by an open or shorted signal return circuit, an open in the ground circuit, or by a malfunctioning ECT sensor.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | |||
Is the ECT less than or equal to the specified value? | -40°C (-40°F) | |||
Is DTC P0118 set? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||
Does the ECT equal the specified value? | 165°C (329°F) | |||
5 |
Does the ECT equal the specified value? | 165°C (329°F) | ||
6 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
7 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
8 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
9 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
10 | Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
11 |
Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
12 |
Are any DTCs displayed on the scan tool? | -- | System OK |
