Circuit Description
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor. A thermistor is a resistor whose value varies with temperature. The ECT sensor's resistance is high when the coolant temperature is cold, and the ECT sensor's resistance is low when the coolant temperature is warm. The ECT sensor is wired in series with a fixed resistor in the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM applies 5 volts to the ECT sensor. The PCM monitors the voltage across the ECT sensor and converts the voltage into a temperature reading. The PCM will receive a high voltage input when the coolant temperature is cold. The PCM will receive a low voltage input when the coolant temperature is warm.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The ignition is ON.
The engine is running.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The ECT sensor signal indicates that the engine coolant temperature is greater than 119°C (246°F). |
| • | The above conditions are present for at least 0.5 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information is stored in the Freeze Frame buffer. |
| • | The PCM enters the Fail-Safe Function and assumes the engine coolant temperature is 80°C (176°F) while stopping EGR, ISC, and A/C control. The PCM turns ON the engine cooling fan. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The MIL turns off after three consecutively passing trips without a fault present. |
| • | A History DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault. |
| • | Use the scan tool Clear DTC Information function or disconnect the PCM battery feed in order to clear the DTC. |
Diagnostic Aids
Check for any of the following conditions:
| • | Use the Temperature vs Resistance table in order to check the ECT sensor at various temperature levels and evaluate the possibility of a shifted (incorrectly calibrated) sensor. A shifted sensor could result in a driveability complaint. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance . |
| • | The ECT sensor readings should rise steadily to about 95°C (203°F) after the engine is started. The ECT sensor readings should stabilize when the thermostat opens. Verify that the engine is not overheating and has not been subjected to conditions which could create an overheating conditions (i.e., overload, trailer towing, hilly terrain, heavy stop and go traffic, etc.). |
| • | The engine cooling fan will turn ON when the DTC sets. |
An intermittent complaint may be caused by a fault in the ECT sensor electrical circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and components for any of the following conditions:
| • | Backed out terminals. |
| • | Improper mating of terminals. |
| • | Broken electrical connector locks. |
| • | Improperly formed or damaged terminals. |
| • | Faulty terminal to wire connections. |
| • | Physical damage to the wiring harness. |
| • | A broken wire inside the insulation. |
| • | Corrosion of electrical connections, splices, or terminals. |
If the DTC P0117 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful in determining vehicle operating conditions when the DTC was first set.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.
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The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.
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This step checks the current ECT sensor reading.
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This step determines if the fault is present.
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This step determines if the fault is caused by a shorted signal return circuit or by a malfunctioning ECT sensor.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | |||
Is the ECT display at or greater than the specified value? | 119°C (246°F) | |||
Is a DTC P0117 set? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||
Is the ECT display at or below the specified value? | -40°C (-40°F) | |||
5 |
Is the ECT sensor signal circuit shorted to ground? | -- | ||
6 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
7 | Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
8 | Repair the ECT sensor signal (input) circuit. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
9 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
10 |
Are any DTCs displayed on the scan tool? | -- | Go to the Applicable DTC Table | System OK |
