P0117

Circuit Description
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor that controls signal voltage to the PCM. When the engine is cold, the sensor resistance is high, therefore the PCM will see a high signal voltage. As the engine warms, the sensor resistance becomes less and the voltage drops. The voltage measured across the thermistor is interpreted as a temperature.

Conditions for Running the DTC
The PCM performs this DTC diagnostic continuously.

Conditions for Setting
The Engine Coolant Temperature is greater than or equal to 151°C (303°F).

All of the diagnostic set conditions met for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
^ The PCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive drive trip the diagnostic runs and fails.
^ The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the Failure Records store this information. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive drive trip, the Freeze Frame records the operating conditions at the time of failure and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
^ The PCM will turn the MIL off after three consecutive trips without a fault condition.
^ A History DTC clears after forty consecutive warm-up cycles, if this or any other emission related diagnostic does not report any failures
^ The use of a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids
Check the harness routing for a potential short to ground. After the engine has started, the ECT temperature should rise steady to about 85°C (185°F). A mis-scaled sensor could result in complaints about poor driveability. Refer to Temperature vs Resistance.

Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
2. If the fault is still present, the Engine Coolant Temperature will be greater than 151°C (303°F).
3. This test simulates a DTC P0117. If the PCM recognizes the high signal voltage (low temperature) the PCM and the wiring are okay.