Circuit Description
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor uses a thermistor in order to control the signal voltage to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM supplies a voltage on the signal circuit to the sensor. When the engine is cold, the sensor resistance is high and the ECT signal voltage will be high.
As the engine warms, the sensor resistance becomes less and the voltage drops. At the normal engine operating temperature, the voltage will be between 1.5 and 2.0 volts at the ECT signal terminal.
The ECT sensor controls the following items:
| • | The fuel delivery |
| • | The torque converter clutch (TCC) |
| • | The ignition control (IC) |
| • | The evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge valve |
| • | The idle air control (IAC) valve |
| • | The electric cooling fan |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECT sensor indicates that the engine coolant temperature is more than 138°C (280°F) for 6.25 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate after two consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs with the fault active. |
| • | The PCM will record the operating conditions at the time that the diagnostic fails. This information will store in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers. |
| • | A history DTC stores. |
| • | The coolant fan turns ON. |
| • | The PCM will default to 20°C (68°F) for the first 60 seconds of the engine run time and then defaults to 92°C (198°F). |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The MIL will turn OFF after three consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault. |
| • | A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault. |
| • | Use a scan tool to clear the DTCs. |
Diagnostic Aids
| • | The normal operation temperature of the cooling system is between 90°C (194°F) and 95°C (203°F). |
| • | Intermittent DTC P0117 is caused by a poor electrical terminal connection. |
| • | Use the Temperature vs. Resistance table in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed sensor. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance . |
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.
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The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check prompts you to complete some of the basic checks and to store the Freeze Frame and Failure Records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data that was captured when this DTC set. The scan tool stores this data for later reference.
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This step simulates a DTC P0118. The PCM and the ECT wiring are OK if the PCM senses the change in the ECT sensor signal.
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Reprogram the replacement PCM and perform the crankshaft position system variation learn procedure. Refer to the latest Techline™ information for PCM programming.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | |||
2 |
Is the ECT sensor value more than the specified value? | 130°C (266°F) | ||
3 |
Is the ECT sensor value more than the specified value? | 130°C (266°F) | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |
Is the ECT sensor value less than the specified value? | -30°C (-22°F) | |||
5 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
6 |
Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | ||
8 |
Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic ran and passed? | -- | ||
9 | Check to see if any additional DTCs are set. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | -- | System OK |
