Diagnostic Instructions

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0117: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0118: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage

DTC P0119: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Intermittent

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit	Short to Ground	High Resistance	Open	Short to Voltage	Signal Performance
ECT Sensor Signal	P0117	P0118	P0118	P0118	P0116, P0128, P0119
Low Reference	--	P0118	P0118	P0118	P0128, P0119

Typical Scan Tool Data

ECT Sensor

Circuit	Short to Ground	Open	Short to Voltage
Operating Conditions: The ignition is ON, or the engine is running Parameter Normal Range: Varies with ambient temperature, within a range of -39 to +120°C (-38 to +248°F)
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)

Circuit/System Description

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 a ground for the low reference circuit.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0117

P0118

P0119

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0117

The ECM detects that the ECT sensor signal is less than 0.27 volts, which is warmer than 137°C (279°F) for greater than 2 seconds.

P0118

The ECM detects that the ECT sensor signal is greater than 4.96 volts, which is colder than -39°C (-38°F) for greater than 2 seconds.

P0119

The ECM detects that the ECT sensor signal has abruptly changed a minimum of 5°C (9°F), warmer or colder for greater than 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTCs P0117, P0118 and P0119 are Type B DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information.

Circuit/System Verification

1. If the ignition has been OFF for 8 hours or greater, the IAT, the ambient temperature, and the ECT should be within 9°C (16°F) of each other. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool IAT Sensor, Ambient Temperature, and the ECT Sensor parameters. Compare those sensor parameters to each other to determine if the condition is current.
2. Engine running, observe the ECT Sensor parameter. The reading should be between -39 to +120°C (-38 to +248°F) depending on the current ambient temperature, the engine run time, and the vehicle operating conditions.
3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF for 90 seconds, disconnect the harness connector at the ECT sensor.
2. Test for less than 5 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECT Sensor parameter is colder than -39°C (-38°F).

⇒	If warmer than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal 1 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 1 and the low reference circuit terminal 2. Verify the scan tool ECT Sensor parameter is warmer than 139°C (282°F).

⇒	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.

5. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the ECT sensor.

Component Testing

Measure and record the resistance of the ECT sensor at various ambient temperatures, then compare those measurements to the Temperature Versus Resistance table.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.