• | Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. |
• | Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach. |
• | Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category. |
Circuit | Short to Ground | Open/High Resistance | Short to Voltage | Signal Performance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Signal | P0117 | P0118 | P0118 | -- |
Low Reference | -- | P0118 | -- | -- |
Circuit | Short to Ground | Open | Short to Voltage |
---|---|---|---|
Operating Conditions: Engine operating in Closed Loop. Parameter Normal Range: -39 to +142°C (-38 to +288°F) Varies with coolant temperature. | |||
Signal | 149°C (300°F) | -40°C (-40°F) | -40°C (-40°F) |
Low Reference | -- | -40°C (-40°F) | -40°C (-40°F) |
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 V to the ECT signal circuit and supplies a ground to the low reference circuit.
The following table illustrates the difference between temperature, resistance, and voltage:
ECT | ECT Resistance | ECT Signal Voltage |
---|---|---|
Cold | High | High |
Warm | Low | Low |
• | The ignition is ON. |
• | The engine speed is greater than 1 000 RPM. |
The ECM detects the ECT voltage is below the threshold
The ECM detects the ECT voltage is above the threshold
DTCs P0117 and P0118 are Type B DTCs
DTCs P0117 and P0118 are Type B DTCs
• | Test the ECT sensor at various temperature levels in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed sensor. A skewed sensor can result in a DTC or a driveability condition. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance. |
• | If the engine has sat overnight, the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor and the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor values should display within 3°C (5°F). |
• | After starting a cold engine, the ECT sensor temperature should rise steadily, then stabilize after the thermostat opens. |
• | High resistance in the circuits of either the ECT or IAT sensor may set a DTC. |
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
Control Module References for scan tool information
⇒ | If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 Engine Control Module (ECM). |
⇒ | If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal 1 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 Engine Control Module (ECM). |
Note: If the fuse in the jumper wire opens, the signal circuit is shorted to a voltage and the sensor may be damaged.
⇒ | If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 Engine Control Module (ECM). |
⇒ | If not within the specified range, replace the B34 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor. |
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
• | Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming |