Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics
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.
The engine is running.
Temperature input is -40°C (-40°F) for at least 0.5 seconds.
or
Temperature input is 140°C (284°F) for at least 0.5 seconds.
• | 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 in which the coolant temperature will default to 80°C (176°F). |
• | 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. |
• | If DTCs P0105, P0110, P0115, and P0120 are also set, the malfunction may be a faulty sensor ground circuit. |
• | Check for a faulty electrical connection to the PCM. |
• | Check for the proper operation of the engine's cooling system, including the correct coolant level. |
• | Use the Temperature vs Resistance table in order to evaluate the possibility of a shifted (incorrectly calibrated) ECT sensor. A shifted sensor could result in a DTC P0115. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance . |
An intermittent malfunction 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 connectors 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. |
Repair any electrical circuit faults that were found. Refer to Wiring Repair in Wiring Systems.
If a DTC P0115 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.
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the Diagnostic Table.
The 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.
This step checks for a high input condition. If the scan tool reads 140°C (284°F) the input circuit may be the result of an short circuit.
This step checks for a low input condition. If the scan tool reads -40°C (-40°F) the input circuit may be the result of an open circuit.
This step determines if DTC P0115 is the result of a hard failure or an intermittent condition
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|---|
Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | |||
Select the ECT sensor parameter on the scan tool. Is the ECT sensor value greater than or at the specified value? | 140°C (284°F) | |||
Select the ECT sensor parameter on the scan tool. Is the ECT sensor value less than or at the specified value? | -40°C (-40°F) | |||
Does the DTC P0115 set? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||
5 |
Is the ECT sensor value at the specified value? | -40°C (-40°F) | ||
6 |
Ensure that the input circuit is not shorted to the sensor ground circuit. Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
7 |
Is the ECT sensor value greater than or at the specified value? | 140°C (284°F) | ||
8 |
Is the ECT sensor value greater than or at the specified value? | 140°C (284°F) | ||
9 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
10 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
11 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
12 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
13 | Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
14 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
15 |
Are any DTCs displayed on scan tool? | -- | Go to the applicable table | System OK |