Circuit Description
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the ECT signal circuit and supplies a ground to the low reference circuit. If the ECM detects an excessively low ECT signal voltage, which is a high temperature indication, this DTC sets.
The following table illustrates the difference between temperature, resistance, and voltage:
ECT | ECT Resistance | ECT Signal Voltage |
|---|---|---|
Cold | High | High |
Warm | Low | Low |
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0117 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The engine is running for more than 120 seconds. |
| • | DTC P0117 runs continuously once the above condition is met. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECM detects that the ECT sensor is more than 149°C (300°F) for more than 4 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails. |
| • | The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records. |
| • | Both cooling fans turn ON. |
| • | The ECM will default to 20°C (68°F) for engine coolant temperature for the first 60 seconds of engine run time, and then 92°C (198°F). The scan tool will not show the defaulted value. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 4 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail. |
| • | A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes. |
| • | A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic. |
| • | Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool. |
Diagnostic Aids
| • | An overheating condition may cause this DTC to set. |
| • | 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. |
| • | If the engine has sat overnight, the ECT sensor and the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor values should display within 3°C (5°F). Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance . |
| • | For an intermittent condition, refer to Intermittent Conditions . |
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views | ||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
2 |
Important: The cooling fans are commanded ON when certain DTCs are set.
Is the temperature more than the specified value? | 149°C (300°F) | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 3 |
3 |
Did the DTC fail this ignition? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Diagnostic Aids |
4 |
Is the temperature less than the specified value? | -39°C (-38°F) | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 |
5 | Test the signal circuit of the ECT sensor for a short to ground and for a short to a low reference circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 8 |
6 | Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ECT sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 8 |
7 | Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 9 |
8 | Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 10 | -- |
9 | Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 10 | -- |
10 |
Did the DTC fail this ignition? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 11 |
11 | Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool. Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed? | -- | System OK | |
