The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor (a resistor
that changes the value which is based on the temperature) mounted in the
engine coolant stream. Low coolant temperature produces a high resistance
(100,000 ohms at -40°C/-40°), while high coolant
temperature produces low resistance (70 ohms at 130°C/266°F).
The PCM supplies a 5 volt signal to the Engine Coolant Temperature
(ECT) sensor through a resistor in the PCM and measures the voltage. The voltage
is high when the engine is cold, and low when the engine is hot. By measuring
the voltage, the PCM knows the engine coolant temperature. The engine coolant
temperature affects the fuel control, the glow plug system, the idle speed,
and the timing.