The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor that varies resistance according to changes in engine coolant temperature. The PCM supplies a 5 volt reference through a pull-up resistor to the sensor, which is connected to ground. When the sensor is cold, it has high resistance, high signal voltage at the PCM. As the sensor temperature increases, its resistance decreases, lower signal voltage at the PCM. The PCM uses the signal voltage to determine engine coolant temperature. DTC P0118 sets when the ECT sensor signal voltage at the PCM is above the calibrated voltage value, below the calibrated temperature value.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
DTC P0118 will set if ECT sensor temperature is below -39°C (-38°F) when:
| • | The condition exists for longer than 6 seconds. |
| • | Engine run time is greater than 1 minute. |
DTC P0118 diagnostic runs continuously once the above conditions have been met.
P0118 is a type B DTC
Diagnostic Aids
To locate an intermittent problem, use the scan tool to monitor the ECT temperature with the ignition ON and the engine OFF. Wiggling the wires while watching for a change in ECT temperature may locate the area where an open or short to voltage in the wiring could lie.
An intermittent open in ECT sensor can set this DTC. Run the engine after it has cooled down and monitor the ECT on the scan tool. The temperature should rise smoothly to 82°C (180°F) as the thermostat opens and stabilizes the temperature of the engine coolant.
The PCM will command the cooling fans ON if DTC P0118 is active.
The coolant temperature gage will read COLD if DTC P0118 is active.
Notice: A short to B+ on signal circuit 410 may damage the ECT sensor. Check for correct resistance vs. temperature of the sensor after a repair has been made.
Important: The PCM uses a different 5 volt pull-up resistor network when the ECT reaches 49°C (121°F). Make sure the reading is normal below and above this temperature.
Refer to ECT General Description for a Temperature vs. Resistance chart.
