Circuit Description
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor that controls signal voltage to the PCM. When the engine is cold, the sensor resistance is high, therefore the PCM will see high signal voltage. As the engine warms, sensor resistance becomes less and voltage drops. The voltage measured across the thermistor is interpreted as a temperature.
Conditions for Running the DTC
• The PCM performs this DTC diagnostic continuously.
• The ignition switch in the ON position.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
• The engine coolant temperature is more than or equal to 151°C (303°F).
• All of the diagnostic set conditions met for 2 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
• The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive drive trip that the diagnostic runs and fails.
• The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the Failure Records will store this information. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive drive trip, the Freeze Frame records the operating conditions at the time of failure and updates the Failure Records.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
• The PCM will turn the MIL off after three consecutive trips without a fault condition.
• A History DTC clears after forty consecutive warm-up cycles, if this or any other emission related diagnostic does not report any failures
• The use of a scan tool.
Diagnostic Aids
Check the harness routing for a potential short to ground. After the engine is started, the ECT temperature should rise steadily to about 85°C (185°F). Refer to Symptoms. A skewed sensor could result in poor driveability complaints. Refer to Temperature vs Resistance.
An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:
• A poor connection
• Rubbed through wire insulation
• A broken wire inside the insulation
Thoroughly check any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.
If a repair is necessary, then refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
2. If the fault is still present, the engine coolant voltage will greater than 151°C (303°F).
3. This test simulates a DTC P0117. If the PCM recognizes the high signal voltage (low temperature) the PCM and the wiring are okay.
4. This step will determine if the problem is a short to ground or a malfunctioning PCM.
