DTC P1115 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Intermittent High Voltage. Buick Century 1996

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1996 🢒 Century 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.1L 🢒 DTC P1115 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Intermittent High Voltage

Engine Controls Components
ECT, MAP, TP, IAT, and A/C Systems
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor mounted in the engine coolant stream. The PCM applies a voltage (about 5.0 volts) through a pull up resistor to the ECT signal circuit. When the engine coolant is cold, the sensor (thermistor) resistance is high; therefore the PCM will measure a high signal voltage. As the engine coolant warms, the sensor resistance becomes less, and the ECT signal voltage measured at the PCM drops. With a fully warmed up engine, the ECT signal voltage should measure about 1.5 to 2.0 volts. If the PCM detects an ECT signal that is intermittently above the range of the ECT sensor, DTC P1115 will set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

•	Engine run time longer than 3 seconds.

•	The ECT sensor signal voltage is intermittently higher than 4.8 volts.

•	Above conditions present for longer than 3 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

•	The PCM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).

•	The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Failure Records data only. This information will not be stored as Freeze Frame data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

•	A History DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.

•	The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear Info function.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions:

•	Poor connection at PCM. Inspect harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connection.

•	Damaged harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the ECT display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the ECT sensor. A change in the ECT display will indicate the location of the fault.

Reviewing the Fail Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

DTC P1115 - ECT Sensor Circuit Intermittent High Voltage

Step	Action	Value(s)	Yes	No
1	Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic System Check performed?	--	Go to Step 2	Go to Powertrain OBD System Check
2	Select DTC info, Last Test Fail and note any other DTCs set. Is DTC P0118 also set?	--	Go to DTC P0118 chart first	Go to Step 3
3	Is DTC P1106, P1111, and/or P1121 also set?	--	Go to Step 8	Go to Step 4
4	Check for a poor sensor ground circuit terminal connection at the ECT sensor (refer to Troubleshooting Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis). If a problem is found, repair as necessary (refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis section). Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 5
5	Check for a poor ECT signal circuit terminal connection at the ECT sensor (refer to Troubleshooting Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis). If a problem is found, repair as necessary (refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis section). Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 6
6	Check the ECT signal circuit between the ECT sensor connector and the PCM for an intermittent open (refer to Troubleshooting Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis). If a problem is found, repair as necessary (refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis section). Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 7
7	Check the ECT signal circuit between the ECT sensor connector and the PCM for an intermittent short to voltage (refer to Troubleshooting Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis). If a problem is found, repair as necessary (refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis section). Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 8
8	Check for a poor sensor ground circuit terminal connection at the PCM (refer to Troubleshooting Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis). If a problem is found, repair as necessary (refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis section). Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 9
9	Check for an intermittent open or a faulty splice in the sensor ground circuit (refer to Troubleshooting Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis). If a problem is found, repair as necessary (refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis section). Was a problem found?	--	Go to Step 10	Refer to Diagnostic Aids
10	Review and record scan tool Fail Records data. Clear DTCs. Operate vehicle within Fail Records conditions as noted. Using a scan tool, monitor SPECIFIC DTC info for DTC P1115. Does scan tool indicate DTC P1115 failed?	--	Go to Step 2	Repair complete