Circuit Description
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor contains a semiconductor device which changes the resistance based on the temperature. The ECT sensor is mounted in the left bank cylinder head near the front of the engine. The ECT sensor has a signal circuit and a ground circuit. The powertrain control module (PCM) applies a voltage (about 5.0 volts) on the signal circuit to the sensor. The PCM monitors the changes in this voltage caused by changes in the resistance of the sensor in order to determine the coolant temperature.
When the coolant is cold, the sensor resistance is high. The PCM signal voltage is only pulled down a small amount through the sensor to a ground, therefore, the PCM senses a high signal voltage. When the coolant is warm, the sensor resistance is low. The signal voltage is pulled down a greater amount, therefore, the PCM senses a low signal voltage (high temperature). At normal operating temperature, the voltage should measure about 1.5-2.0 volts at the PCM. When the PCM senses a signal voltage higher than the normal operating range of the sensor, this diagnostic trouble code (DTC) sets.
The PCM sends the instrument panel cluster (IPC) ECT information via the Class 2 circuit. This information is used for controlling the coolant temperature gauge and for displaying a message when the coolant temperature is out of the normal operating range. The IPC displays a message when the ECT is more than 121°C (250°F).
Conditions for Running the DTC
The engine run time is more than 60 seconds.
OR
The engine run time is less than 60 seconds when intake air temperature (IAT) is more than 0°C (32°F).
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The ECT is less than -39°C (-38°F). |
| • | All conditions are met for 20 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails. |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the PCM stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the PCM records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The PCM writes the conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records. |
| • | The engine coolant temperature gauge defaults to a predetermined value. |
| • | The message center will display a message. This may only be displayed briefly. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The PCM turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail. |
| • | A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail. |
| • | A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic. |
| • | Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL and the DTC. |
Diagnostic Aids
Important: Remove any debris from the PCM connector surfaces before servicing the PCM. Inspect the PCM connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing the PCM. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent water intrusion into the PCM.
| • | The following may cause an intermittent: |
| - | Poor connections |
| - | Mis-routed harness |
| - | Rubbed through wire insulation |
| - | Broken wire inside the insulation |
| • | If the engine has sat overnight, the engine coolant temperature (ECT) and intake air temperature (IAT) values should display within a few degrees of each other. If the temperatures are not within 3°C (5°F), refer to Temperature Versus Resistance . |
| • | If you determine that the DTC occurs intermittently, performing the P1115 diagnostic table may isolate the cause of the fault. |
For an intermittent, refer to Symptoms .
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
-
This step determines if the malfunction is present.
-
Using the Freeze Frame and Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records data can help determine how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also help determine how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass or a fail. Operate the vehicle within the same Freeze Frame conditions such as RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature, etc. that you observed. This will isolate when the DTC failed.
-
An engine coolant temperature above 139°C (282°F) indicates the PCM and ECT sensor wiring is OK.
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An engine coolant temperature above 139°C (282°F) indicates the PCM and ECT sensor signal circuit is OK.
-
Disconnecting the PCM allows using the DMM in order to check continuity of the circuits. This aids in locating an open or a shorted circuit.
-
Disconnecting the PCM allows using the DMM in order to check for a short to voltage.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
Is the ECT sensor at the specified value? | -39°C (-38°F) | |||
3 | Are DTCs P1635 and P1639 also set? | -- | ||
Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic failed this ignition? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||
Is the ECT sensor at the specified value? | 140°C (284°F) | |||
Jumper the ECT sensor signal circuit to a known good ground. Is the ECT sensor at the specified value? | 140°C (284°F) | |||
Is the ECT sensor signal circuit open? | -- | |||
Does the DMM display a voltage? | -- | |||
9 | Check continuity from the ECT signal circuit to all other PCM circuits at the PCM harness connectors using the DMM. Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems. Does the DMM display continuity within the specified range from the ECT sensor signal circuit to any other PCM circuit? | 0-2 ohms | ||
10 |
Is the ECT sensor ground circuit open? | -- | ||
11 | Repair the ECT sensor signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
12 | Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
13 | Repair the ECT sensor ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
14 | Repair the ECT sensor signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
15 | Repair the short between the ECT sensor signal circuit and the PCM circuit that had continuity. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
16 |
Did you find and repair the condition? | -- | ||
17 |
Important:: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
18 |
Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed? | -- | ||
19 | Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC table | System OK |
