Circuit Description
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor (a variable resistor whose conductive value changes with engine coolant temperature) in series with a fixed resistor in the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM applies 5 volts to the ECT sensor. The PCM monitors the voltage across the ECT sensor and converts it into a temperature reading. When the engine is cold, the ECT sensor resistance is high, and when the engine is warm, the ECT sensor resistance is low. Therefore, when the engine is cold, the PCM will receive a high voltage input, and when the engine is warm, the PCM will receive a low voltage input.
Condition for Running the DTC
The engine is running in Closed Loop mode.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | Engine running |
| • | ECT sensor signal indicates an engine coolant temperature more than 137°C (279°F). |
| • | Above condition is met for at least 5 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate. |
| • | The PCM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame buffer. |
| • | The PCM will enter the Fail-Safe Function and assume the engine coolant temperature is 30°C (86°F). |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The MIL will turn OFF after three consecutively passing cycles without a fault present. |
| • | A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault. |
| • | DTCs can be cleared by using a scan tool or by disconnecting the PCM battery feed. |
Diagnostic Aids
Check for any of the following conditions:
| • | A damaged wiring 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. |
| • | When replacing the ECT sensor the Temperature to Resistance Value scale may be used to test the sensor at various temperature levels to evaluate the possibility of a shifted (incorrectly calibrated) sensor. A shifted sensor could result in poor driveability complaints. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance . |
| • | After the engine is started, the ECT sensor should rise steadily to about 95°C (203°F) and stabilize when the thermostat opens. Verify that the engine is not overheating and has not been subjected to conditions which could create an overheating conditions (i.e., overload, trailer towing, hilly terrain, heavy stop and go traffic, etc.). |
If the DTC P0117 is intermittent, driving the vehicle under the following conditions can verify whether the fault is present. Perform the scan tool Clear DTC Information function. Road test the vehicle while monitoring the DTC P0117 diagnostic on the scan tool under the Not Ran Since Code Cleared selection in the DTC Information menu. If a DTC P0117 appears in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the P0117 diagnostic has not yet run. When the DTC P0117 does not appear in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the P0117 diagnostic has run. If the MIL is NOT ILLUMINATED and there is no PENDING DTC Status in DTC Information, the P0117 diagnostic has passed. DTCs MUST BE CLEARED in order to view the CURRENT STATUS of the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list. DO NOT FORGET that the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list only indicates that the test has run, not whether the test passed or failed. The DTC Information screen must be checked for CURRENT or PENDING status, in order to determine the outcome of the diagnostic test involved.
An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a fault in the ETC sensor circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and components for any of the following conditions:
| • | Backed out terminals |
| • | Improper mating of terminals |
| • | Broken electrical connector locks |
| • | Improperly formed or damaged terminals |
| • | Faulty terminal to wire connections |
| • | Physical damage to the wiring harness |
| • | A broken wire inside the insulation |
| • | Corrosion of electrical connections, splices, or terminals |
If you cannot duplicate the DTC P0117, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful in determining vehicle operating conditions when the DTC was first set.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.
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The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and to store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.
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This step will determine if fault is present.
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Review the Freeze Frame data in order to determine when the DTC set. Always record this information.
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This step determines if the fault is caused by a shorted signal return circuit or by a malfunctioning ECT sensor.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | |||
Is the ECT display at or more than the specified value? | 165°C (329°F) | |||
Is a DTC P0117 set? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||
Is the ECT display at or below the specified value? | -40°C -(40°F) | |||
5 |
Is the ECT sensor signal circuit shorted to ground? | -- | ||
6 | Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
7 | Repair the ECT sensor signal (input) circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
8 |
Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
9 |
Are any DTCs displayed on the scan tool? | -- | System OK |
