P0118

DTC P0117 or P0118

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0117
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0118
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information






Typical Scan Tool Data






Circuit/System 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 a ground for the ECT low reference circuit.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0117
* The ignition is ON.
* DTC P0117 runs continuously within the enabling condition.

P0118
* The engine has been running for more than 8 minutes.
* DTC P0118 runs continuously within the enabling condition.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0117

The ECM detects that the ECT Sensor parameter is more than 149°C (300°F) for more than 10 seconds. This is equal to less than 0.065 volt on the ECT signal circuit as measured by the ECM.

P0118

The ECT sensor temperature is less than -39°C (-38°F) for more than 10 seconds. This is equal to more than 4.8 volts on the ECT signal circuit, as measured by the ECM.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0117 and P0118 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0117 and P0118 are Type B DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

An ECT sensor signal circuit or low reference circuit that is shorted to another 5-volt reference circuit can cause a DTC P0118 to set.

Circuit/System Verification

Caution: Under pressure, the temperature of the solution in the radiator can be considerably higher, without boiling. Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot (pressure is high), will cause the solution to boil instantaneously, with explosive force. The solution will spew out over the engine, fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result. Flammable antifreeze, such as alcohol, is not recommended for use at any time. Flammable antifreeze could cause a serious fire.

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Inspect the cooling system surge tank for the proper engine coolant level.
3. Ignition ON, observe the ECT Sensor parameter. The reading should be between the -39° to +120°C (-38 to +248°F), depending on the current ambient temperature and the vehicle operating conditions.
4. Use the scan tool to verify the proper operation of the engine cooling system fans.
5. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ECT sensor.
2. Ignition OFF for 90 seconds, test for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.

• If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.

3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECT parameter is less than -39°C (-40°F).

• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.

4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool ECT parameter is greater than 149°C (300°F)

• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.

5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ECT sensor.

Component Testing

Measure and record the resistance of the ECT sensor at various ambient temperatures and compare those measurements to the Temperature vs. Resistance Table.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement
* Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming Programming and Relearning Verification Tests