GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    •  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.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0116:  Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 1 Performance

DTC P2183:  Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 2 Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

ECT Sensor 1 Signal

P0117

P0118

P0118*

P0116

ECT Sensor 1 Low Reference

--

P0118

P0118*

P0116

ECT Sensor 2 Signal

P2184

P2185

P2185*

P2183

ECT Sensor 2 Low Reference

--

P2185

P2185*

P2183

* Internal PCM damage may occur if the circuit is shorted to B+.

Typical Scan Tool Data

ECT Sensors

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine operating in Closed Loop

Parameter Normal Range: Varies with ambient temperature

ECT Sensor 1 Signal

168°C (334°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

-40°C (-40°F)*

ECT Sensor 1 Low Reference

--

-40°C (-40°F)

-40°C (-40°F)*

ECT Sensor 2 Signal

168°C (334°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

-40°C (-40°F)*

ECT Sensor 2 Low Reference

--

-40°C (-40°F)

-40°C (-40°F)*

* PCM or sensor damage may occur if the circuit is shorted to B+.

Circuit Description

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:

ECT

ECT Resistance

ECT Signal Voltage

Cold

High

High

Warm

Low

Low

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine speed is between 1000-1500 RPM.
    • DTCs P0030, P0050, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0125, P0135, P0155, P0171, P0172, P0174, P0175, P0201-P0206, P0300-P0306, P0335, P0401, P0403, P0404, P0443, P0496, P0506, P0507, P0641, P1128, P1129, P2227, P2228, P2229, P2413, P2414, P2415, P2646, P2647, P2648, and P2649 are not set.
    • The engine coolant temperature is between -7 and +38°C (+20 and +100°F) at engine start up.
    • The intake air temperature is at least -7°C (+20°F).
    • Manifold absolute pressure is between 48-32 kPa.
    • Fuel cut-off is not active.
    • DTC P0116 and P2183 run once per drive cycle when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECT sensor does not reach at least 30°C (86°F) in 20 minutes.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0116 and P2183 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0116 and P2183 are Type B DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

    • After starting the engine, the ECT sensor temperature should rise steadily, then stabilize after the thermostat opens.
    • Test the ECT sensor at various temperature levels in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed sensor. A skewed sensor can result in a driveability condition. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance - Intake Air Temperature Sensor .
    • Inspect for the correct operation of the engine cooling system and verify the correct coolant level.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Verify that the following DTCs are not set: P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P2184, P2185, P0125, or P0128.
  2. If any of the DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
  3. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records List. DTC P0116 or P2183 should not set.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ECT sensor.
  2. Ignition ON, clear the DTC information with a scan tool.
  3. Ignition ON, verify that the scan tool ECT sensor parameter is at -40°C (-40°F).
  4. If greater than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM.
  5. Test for less than 0.5 volt between the low reference circuit and ground.
  6. If greater than specified value, test the low reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the PCM.
  7. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit and ground.
  8. If greater than the specified value, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the PCM.
  9. Ignition ON, clear the DTC information with a scan tool.
  10. Important: If the fuse in the jumper wire opens, the signal circuit is shorted to a voltage and the sensor may be damaged.

  11. Install a 1A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit. Verify the ECT sensor parameter is greater than 168°C (334°F).
  12. If less than specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the PCM.
  13. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ECT sensor.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the ECT sensor.
  2. Important: A thermometer can be used to the used to test the sensor off the vehicle.

  3. Test the ECT sensor by varying the sensor temperature while monitoring the sensor resistance. Compare the readings with the Temperature Versus Resistance - Intake Air Temperature Sensor table and verify that the resistance is within 5 percent of the specification.
  4. If the resistance vs. temperature is not within 5 percent, replace the ECT sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement
    •  Powertrain Control Module Replacement for PCM replacement, setup, and programming