![]() ![]() The coolant temperature sensor (switch) utilizes electrical resistance to measure the coolant's temperature. When the sensor is functioning properly, it will tell your on board computer if the temperature is too high, alerting the driver that a problem exists by illuminating a warning light on the dashboard. The coolant temperature sensor, also known as the coolant temperature switch, is the engine management system that monitors the temperature of the coolant and relays this information to the ECM. One of the most important systems to monitor is the cooling system, which includes the radiator, water pump, radiator fan, coolant lines, and overflow tank. The coolant temperature sensor's resistance changes with temperature (this type of sensor is called a thermistor).Today's engines monitor virtually every function to ensure your vehicle runs strongly and efficiently every day. Using a scan tool with Live Data capability is the fastest and easiest way to diagnose an ECT sensor but sometimes, you've got to verify the sensor's output directly at the sensor, this section will shed some light on how the ECT sensor works so that, if you have to, you can test it directly with a multimeter. Coolant sensor's connector has become unplugged from the sensor itself.Coolant temp sensor's wires have an ‘open-circuit’ problem (usually due to a cut wire).When the PCM senses this high voltage input, it will translate this voltage input to a coolant temperature of -46° F (-50° C).This code indicates that the PCM is seeing a high voltage drop across the ECT sensor, which it's translating as an extremely hot coolant condition.P0118: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Circuit High Input Coolant temp sensor's wires are shorted to each other.Coolant temp sensor's wires are shorted to Ground.This code is caused by one of the following:.When the PCM senses this low voltage input, it will translate this voltage input to a 250° F temperature.This code indicates that the PCM is seeing a low voltage drop across the ECT sensor, which it's translating as an extremely hot coolant condition.P0117: engine coolant temperature (ECT) Circuit Low Input. You've probably seen the official OBD-II description of these two diagnostic trouble codes but in plain English what are these two codes saying? Well, this section will shed some light on this (by the way, you're gonna' see the term voltage drop and I'll explain this term in the next section): Reports a ‘normal’ temperature, but this temperature does not correspond to the actual coolant temperature.This condition leads the PCM to set a P0117 DTC. It will receive input from the ECT sensor showing an extremely low temperature.This condition leads the PCM to register a P0118 DTC. Usually around 250° F, even tho' the engine is cold. It will receive input from the ECT sensor indicating an extremely high coolant temperature.When there's a problem with the ECT sensor or its circuits, the PCM will see one of the three distinct conditions: P0118: ECT Sensor Circuit High Voltage.Check engine light is on and one of the following codes is stored:.The are several symptoms a bad ECT sensor causes, and they are: Symptoms Of A Bad Engine Coolant Temp (ECT) Sensor TIP3: Some of my testing suggestions involve tests with the engine running, this means you've got to be on your toes and alert. A simple generic scan tool will do (Don't have a scan tool? Need a scan tool? Check out my recommendation: Actron CP9580 Scan Tool). You don't need a professional $5K (US) scan tool to do it. TIP2: You'll need a scan tool with Live Data capability to be able to follow the test steps in this article (although you can resistance test the ECT sensor with a multimeter). Troubleshooting A Blown Head Gasket (GM 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L). ![]() How To Test The Thermostat (GM 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L).If your vehicle is overheating, I suggest taking a look at these two tests: This article does not cover any type of overheating issue. TIP1: A bad engine coolant temperature sensor will not cause your pick up (van, mini-van, or SUV) to overheat. TEST 3: Checking The Temperature With The Key On Engine Running.TEST 1: Checking The Temperature With The Key On Engine Off.Symptoms Of A Bad Engine Coolant Temp Sensor.
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