GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2001 🢒 Savana (CNG) 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0117

Circuit Description

The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor. The ECT thermistor has high resistance when cold and low resistance when hot. The gasoline Control Module (VCM / PCM or ECM) supplies about 5 volts on the ECT signal circuit. The gasoline Control Module also supplies a ground circuit to the ECT sensor. When the ECT sensor is cold, resistance is high and the ECT signal voltage remains near the supplied 5 volts. As the ECT sensor warms and resistance drops, more signal circuit voltage is pulled lower to the sensor ground. The gasoline Control Module and the Alternative Fuels ECM monitor the ECT signal circuit voltage in order to determine the engines temperature.

This DTC is used to indicate an ECT signal circuit voltage that is below the normal operating range of the sensor.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The engine is operating on alternative fuel.
    • The engine has been operating for greater than 5 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The Alternative Fuels ECM monitors an ECT sensor signal voltage of less than 0.019 volts for at least 5 seconds continuously.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • A first failure of this DTC will NOT illuminate the MIL and will store as Last Test Failed but not as History.
    • The Alternative Fuels ECM will illuminate the MIL and store the DTC as History after 2 consecutive drive trips that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The Alternative Fuels ECM will record operating conditions at the time the DTC sets. This information will be stored as Freeze Frame data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The Last Test Failed status will clear when the DTC runs and passes.
    • The Alternative Fuels ECM will turn OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips that the DTC runs and passes.
    • The History status will clear after 40 consecutive WARM-UP cycles with NO failures of ANY DTC.
    • All DTC Information can be cleared with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Intermittent Condition

A fault not present indicates the condition that caused the DTC to set is intermittent and not currently present. Refer to the Intermittent Conditions diagnostic information located in Symptoms - Engine Controls. If any additional DTCs were stored proceed to the applicable DTC table in the order stated in Diagnostic System Check - Alternative Fuels (Engine Controls) .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step determines if the failure condition is present.

    2.

  2. This step determines if the ECT sensor is shorted.

    3.

  3. This step determines if a short is present in the wiring harness.

    4.

  4. This step determines if the gasoline Control Module or the Alternative Fuels ECM is the cause of the shorted condition.

    5.

  5. This step determines if an open circuit condition is present between the gasoline Control Module and the signal circuit splice.

    If an open condition exists in this circuit the gasoline Control Module should indicate HIGH signal voltage while the Alternative Fuels ECM would indicate LOW signal voltage.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Alternative Fuels Engine Controls Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Alternative Fuels (Engine Controls)

2

  1. Using the scan tool, establish communication with the Alternative Fuels ECM.
  2. Observe the ECT Sensor data parameter.

Does the ECT sensor data parameter indicate ECT voltage less than the specified value?

0.019 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3
  1. Using the scan tool, establish communication with the gasoline Control Module (VCM/PCM or ECM).
  2. Observe the ECT Sensor data parameter.

Does the ECT sensor data parameter indicate ECT temperature warmer than the specified value?

148°C (298°F)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

4

The fault is not present. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Are any DTCs stored that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Intermittent Conditions

5

Disconnect the ECT sensor.

Does the ECT sensor data parameter indicate ECT temperature warmer than the specified value?

148°C (298°F)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 9

6

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the gasoline Control Module connector that contains the ECT signal circuit.
  3. Disconnect the Alternative Fuels ECM connector that contains the ECT signal circuit.
  4. With the ECT sensor connector disconnected, test the ECT signal circuit for continuity to engine ground and also to the sensor ground circuit.
  5. If a shorted to ground ECT signal circuit is indicated, repair the circuit as necessary.

Was a ECT signal circuit repair made?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Connect the gasoline Control Module connector that contains the ECT signal circuit.
  2. Leave the Alternative Fuels ECM connector disconnected.
  3. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  4. With the ECT sensor connector disconnected, observe the gasoline Control Module (VCM/PCM or ECM) ECT Sensor data parameter.

Does the ECT sensor data parameter indicate ECT temperature warmer than the specified value?

148°C (298°F)

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

8

  1. Inspect the signal circuit between the circuit splice and the gasoline Control Module (VCM/PCM or ECM) connector for the following conditions:
    2. • An open
    • High resistance
    • Poor terminal contact
  2. Repair wiring or terminals as necessary.

Was a wiring or terminal repair made?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

9

Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement in the Engine Controls section of the G Van Service Manual.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 12

--

10

Important: The following Control Module replacement procedures must all be completed before attempting to operate the vehicle.

The following procedures are located in the G Van Service Manual.

  1. Replace the gasoline Control Module (VCM/PCM or ECM). Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .
  2. Program the replacement Control Module with the correct vehicle software and calibration.

    3. Important: In order to perform the variation learn procedure a switch-over to gasoline operation is necessary. Remove the CNG 20-amp fuse in order to perform the switch-over.

  3. Perform the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn in Engine Controls.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11
  1. Replace the Alternative Fuels ECM. Refer to Alternative Fuels Engine Control Module Replacement .
  2. Program the replacement Control Module with the correct vehicle software and calibration.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12
  1. Using a scan tool, clear the DTC information from BOTH Control Modules.
  2. Operate the vehicle under the Conditions for Running the DTC.
  3. Using the scan tool parameter DTC STATUS, ensure that this DTC runs.

Did this DTC run and pass?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2