Circuit Description
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor. The control module supplies the ECT sensor with a reference voltage on the ECT signal circuit and a ground circuit. When the ECT sensor resistance is high, indicating a cold sensor, the ECT sensor signal voltage remains near the supplied voltage. The ECT sensor decreases the signal voltage as the ECT sensor resistance is low, indicating a warm sensor. The control module monitors the ECT sensor signal circuit voltage in order to calculate the engine temperature.
This DTC is designed to detect an ECT sensor signal voltage that is higher than the possible range of a normally-operating ECT sensor.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The engine has been running for more than 5 seconds.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECT sensor voltage is more than 4.9 volts for more than 20 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) if a failure is detected during 2 consecutive key cycles. |
| • | The control module sets the DTC and records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic failed. The failure information is stored in the scan tool Freeze Frame/Failure Records. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL or DTC
| • | The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips when the test has run and passed. |
| • | A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. A warm-up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant reaches a temperature that is more than 70°C (158°F) during the same ignition cycle. |
| • | Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs. |
Diagnostic Aids
Check the harness routing for a potential short to ground in the 5-volt reference circuit. After you start the engine, the temperature should rise steadily to approximately 90°C (194°F). The temperature should stabilize when the thermostat opens.
Use the Temperature vs. Resistance table in order to test the coolant sensor at various temperature levels in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed, or mis-scaled, sensor. A skewed sensor could result in poor driveability complaints. Refer to Temperature Versus 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 inspect any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
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If the condition is present, the ECT sensor voltage will be more than 4.9 volts.
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This test simulates the conditions for DTC P0117. If the VCM recognizes the grounded circuit, or low voltage, and displays a low voltage message, the VCM and the wiring are OK.
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This test checks for an open or a grounded ECT sensor signal circuit. The ECT sensor ground circuit and the VCM are also checked.
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This test checks for a short to voltage on the ECT sensor signal circuit.
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After you repair a short to voltage, re-check the operation of the ECT sensor.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
Is the ECT sensor voltage more than the specified value? | 4.9 V | |||
Is the ECT sensor voltage less than the specified value? | 0.82 V | |||
Jumper the ECT sensor signal circuit to a ground. Is the ECT sensor voltage less than the specified value? | 0.82 V | |||
Is the voltage more than the specified value? | 5.20 V | |||
6 | The DTC is intermittent. Are any additional DTCs stored? | -- | Go to applicable DTC | Go to Diagnostic Aids |
7 | Check the ECT sensor harness connector and the VCM connector for a faulty connection. Did you find a problem? | -- | ||
8 | Check the ECT sensor ground circuit for an open or a faulty connection between the ECT sensor and the VCM. Did you find a problem? | -- | ||
9 | Check the ECT sensor signal circuit for an open or a faulty connection between the ECT sensor and the VCM. Did you find a problem? | -- | ||
10 | Repair the short to voltage in the ECT sensor signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
11 | Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs or Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
Is the ECT sensor voltage less than the specified value? | 4.9 V | |||
13 | Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
14 |
Important: The replacement VCM must be programmed. Replace the VCM. Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
15 |
Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic passed? | -- | ||
16 | Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs? | -- | Go to applicable DTC | System OK |
