• | 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
ECT Sensor Signal | P0117 | P0118 | P0118* | P0116, P0128 |
Low Reference | -- | P0118 | P0118* | P0128 |
*ECM or sensor damage may occur if the circuit is shorted to B+ |
Circuit | Short to Ground | Open | Short to Voltage |
---|---|---|---|
Operating Conditions: Engine Operating in Closed Loop Parameter Normal Range: Varies with coolant temperature | |||
ECT Sensor Signal | 150°C (302°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 volts to the ECT sensor signal circuit and supplies a ground to the low reference circuit. The purpose of this diagnostic is to analyze the performance of the thermostat by using the ECT sensor to determine if the engine coolant will increase at the correct rate, and also meet the calibrated target temperatures under various operating conditions. The ECM uses the start-up ECT and the start-up intake air temperature (IAT) to begin the diagnostic calculation. The air flow into the engine is accumulated, and vehicle speed, distance, and engine run time are also factored in to determine if the ECT does increase normally and reach the calibrated target temperatures.
• | DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0112, P0113, P0117, or P0118 is not set. |
• | The start-up ECT is colder than 75°C (167°F). |
• | The IAT Sensor parameter is warmer than -7°C (+19°F). |
• | The engine run time is between 30-1,800 seconds. |
• | The vehicle is driven greater than 0.8 kilometer (0.5 mile) at greater than 8 km/h (5 mph). |
• | The DTC runs once per ignition cycle when the above conditions are met. |
The ECM detects that the actual amount of accumulated air flow is greater than the predicted amount of accumulated air flow before the ECT reaches 80°C (176°F).
DTC P0128 is a Type B DTC.
DTC P0128 is a Type B DTC.
• | DTC P0128 occurring with insufficient vehicle interior heating is an indication of improper thermostat operation. |
• | Inspect the ECT sensor terminals and the ECT harness connector for corrosion. This condition results in a greater voltage on the ECT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a colder ECT. |
• | This diagnostic runs in a specific range. Measure and record the resistance of the ECT sensor at various ambient temperatures between -7 to +80°C (+19 to +176°F), then compare those measurements to the Temperature Versus Resistance table. |
• | A slight to moderate resistance in the ECT sensor signal circuit or low reference circuit will affect this diagnostic. This condition results in a greater voltage on the ECT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a colder ECT. |
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
Control Module References for scan tool information
Important: A critical analysis of the operation of the thermostat is necessary to properly diagnose this DTC.
⇒ | If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM. |
⇒ | If warmer than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal B for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM. |
⇒ | If colder 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 ECM. |
Measure and record the resistance of the ECT sensor at various ambient temperatures, then compare those measurements to the Temperature Versus Resistance table.
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
• | Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming |