Circuit Description
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor. The control module supplies the ECT sensor with a reference voltage on the ECT signal circuit and a ground circuit. When the ECT sensor resistance is high, indicating a cold sensor, the ECT sensor signal voltage remains near the supplied voltage. The ECT sensor decreases the signal voltage as the ECT sensor resistance is low, indicating a warm sensor. The control module monitors the ECT sensor signal circuit voltage in order to calculate the engine temperature.
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is designed to detect an ECT sensor signal voltage lower than the possible range of a normally operating ECT sensor.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The engine has been running for more than 5 seconds.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECT sensor voltage is less than 0.25 volts for more than 20 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 tool Freeze Frame/Failure Records. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL or 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 in order to clear the DTCs. |
Diagnostic Aids
After starting the engine, the ECT sensor temperature should rise steadily to about 90°C (194°F) then stabilize when the thermostat opens.
Check for an intermittent short to ground in the ECT sensor signal circuit by moving the VCM harness at various locations and monitoring the ECT voltage on the scan tool. If the voltage varies, look for a short to ground in the area of the harness that caused the variance.
Use the Temperature vs. Resistance Value Table to test the coolant sensor at various temperature levels in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed, or mis-scaled, sensor. A skewed sensor could result in poor driveability concerns. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .
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 check 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 on the diagnostic table.
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If the condition is still present, the ECT sensor voltage will measure less than 0.25 volts.
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This test simulates a high signal voltage condition. If the vehicle control module (VCM) recognizes the high signal voltage and the scan tool display reads 4 volts or more, the VCM and the wiring are okay. While doing this test additional ECT related DTCs could set.
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This test determines if the ECT sensor signal circuit is shorted to ground.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
Does the scan tool display an ECT sensor voltage less than the specified value? | 0.25V | |||
Does the scan tool display an ECT sensor voltage more than the specified value? | 4.0V | |||
Did you find a problem? | -- | |||
5 | The DTC is intermittent. Are any additional DTCs set? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC table | Go to Diagnostic Aids |
6 | Repair the short to ground in the ECT sensor signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
7 | Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
8 |
Important: The replacement VCM must be programmed. Replace the VCM. Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
9 |
Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic Passed? | -- | ||
10 | Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC table | System OK |
