• | 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 | P0115, P0117 | P0115, P0118 | P0115, P0118 | P0116, P011B |
Low Reference | -- | P0110, P0113 | -- | P0116, P011B |
Circuit | Short to Ground | Open | Short to Voltage |
---|---|---|---|
Operating Conditions: Engine operating in Closed Loop. Parameter Normal Range: -39 to +140°C (-39 to +284°F) Varies with coolant temperature. | |||
ECT Sensor Signal | 140°C (284°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 powertrain control module (PCM) supplies 5 volts 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:
Temperature | ECT Resistance | ECT Signal Voltage |
---|---|---|
Cold | High | High |
Warm | Low | Low |
• | The ignition is ON or the engine is operating. |
• | The DTC runs continuously once the above condition is met. |
• | The temperature input is colder than -39°C (-39°F), greater than 4.91 volts, for greater than 0.5 seconds. |
OR |
• | The temperature input is greater than 139°C (283°F), less than 0.18 volts, for greater than 0.5 seconds. |
The temperature input is greater than 139°C (283°F), less than 0.14 volts, for greater than 0.5 seconds.
The temperature input is colder than -39°C (-39°F), greater than 4.91 volts, for greater than 0.5 seconds.
• | DTC P0115, P0117 and P0118 are Type A DTCs. |
• | The PCM enters the Fail-Safe function and the engine coolant temperature defaults to 80°C (176°F). |
DTC P0115, P0117 and P0118 are Type A DTCs.
• | If the vehicle has sat overnight, the IAT sensor and the 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 circuit of the ECT sensor could 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, or for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM. |
⇒ | If greater than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM. |
⇒ | If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM. |
Important: A thermometer can be used to test the sensor off the vehicle.
⇒ | If not within the specified range, replace the ECT sensor. |
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
• | Control Module References for control module replacement, setup, and programming |