Circuit Description
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor which controls the signal voltage to the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM supplies a 5 volt reference and a ground to the ECT sensor. Whenever the engine is cold, the ECT sensor resistance will be high.
As the engine warms up, the ECT sensor resistance decreases and the voltage drops. At the normal engine operating temperature, the voltage will be between 1.5 and 2.0 volts.
The engine coolant temperature sensor is one of the inputs used to control the following items:
| • | The fuel delivery |
| • | The torque converter clutch (TCC) |
| • | The ignition control (IC) |
| • | The evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge valve |
| • | The idle air control (IAC) valve |
Conditions For Running The DTC
The engine run time is more than 128 seconds.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECT sensor indicates that the engine coolant temperature is more than 138°C (280°F) for 6.25 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) if a failure is detected during 2 consecutive key cycles. |
| • | The control module sets the DTC and records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic failed. The failure information is stored in the scan tools Freeze Frame and Failure Records. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips when the test has Run and Passed |
| • | A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. A warm up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant reaches a temperature that is more than 70°C (158°F) during the same ignition cycle. |
| • | Use a scan tool to clear the DTCs. |
Diagnostic Aids
After the engine has started, the ECT should rise steadily to about 90°C (194°F) then stabilize when the thermostat opens.
An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:
| • | A poor connection |
| • | Rubbed through wire insulation |
| • | A broken wire inside the insulation |
Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table:
-
This step simulates a DTC P0118. The PCM and the ECT wiring are OK if the PCM senses the change in the ECT sensor signal.
-
The replacement PCM must be programmed and the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn procedure must be performed.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
2 |
Does the ECT sensor value read more than the specified value? | 130°C (266°F) | ||
3 | Operate the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions and Conditions for Setting the DTC. Does the ECT sensor value read more than the specified value? | 130°C (266°F) | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |
Does the ECT sensor value read less than the specified value? | -30°C (-22°F) | |||
5 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||
6 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||
7 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||
8 | Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | -- | |
|
Important:: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | -- | ||
10 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | System OK |
