DTC Troubleshooting
DTC Troubleshooting: P0128
DTC P0128: Cooling System Malfunction
NOTE: Before you troubleshoot, record all freeze data and any on-board snapshot, and review the general troubleshooting information. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
2. Clear the DTC with the HDS.
3. Make sure the blower switch is OFF.
4. Check the FAN CTRL in the DATA LIST with the HDS.
Is it OFF?
YES - Go to step 5.
NO - Wait until the FAN CTRL is off, then go to step 5.
5. Check the radiator fan operation.
Does the radiator fan keep running?
YES - Check the radiator fan circuit, Component Tests and General Diagnostics
and the radiator fan relay. Power Relay Test If the circuits and the relay are OK, go to step 19.
NO - Go to step 6.
6. Let the engine cool until the coolant temperature is 104 °F (40 °C) or less.
7. Note the value of ECT SENSOR 1 and ECT SENSOR 2 in the DATA LIST with the HDS.
8. Start the engine, and let it idle.
9. Let the engine idle until ECT SENSOR 1 goes up 40 °F (22 °C) or more from the recorded temperature.
10. Check ECT SENSOR 2 in the DATA LIST with the HDS.
11. Compare the recorded value of ECT SENSOR 2 and the present value of ECT SENSOR 2.
Did temperature rise 14 °F (8 °C) or more?
YES - Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Check for poor connections or loose terminals at ECT sensor 1, ECT sensor 2, and the ECM.
NO - Test the thermostat, Testing and Inspection then go to step 12.
12. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
13. Reset the ECM with the HDS.
14. Let the engine cool until the coolant temperature is between 21 °F (-6 °C) and 104 °F (40 °C).
15. Do the ECM idle learn procedure. ECM Idle Learn Procedure
16. Test-drive at a steady speed between 15-75 mph (24-120 km/h) for 10 minutes.
17. Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC P0128 indicated?
YES - Check the cooling system, Cooling System Component Location Index then go to step 1.
NO - Go to step 18.
18. Monitor the OBD STATUS for DTC P0128 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.
Does the screen indicate PASSED?
YES - Troubleshooting is complete. If any other Temporary DTCs or DTCs were indicated in step 17, go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting.
NO - If the screen indicates FAILED, check the cooling system, Cooling System Component Location Index then go to step 1. If the screen indicates NOT COMPLETED, go to step 14.
19. Update the ECM if it does not have the latest software, ECM Update or substitute a known-good ECM. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
20. Let the engine cool until the coolant temperature is between 21 °F (-6 °C) and 104 °F (40 °C).
21. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm without load (in neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
22. Test-drive at a steady speed between 15-75 mph (24-120 km/h) for 10 minutes.
23. Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC P0128 indicated?
YES - Check for poor connections or loose terminals at ECT sensor 1, ECT sensor 2, and the ECM. If the ECM was updated, substitute a known-good ECM, Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview then go to step 20. If the ECM was substituted, go to step 1.
NO - Go to step 24.
24. Monitor the OBD STATUS for DTC P0128 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.
Does the screen indicate PASSED?
YES - If the ECM was updated, troubleshooting is complete. If the ECM was substituted, replace the original ECM. Service and Repair If any other Temporary DTCs or DTCs were indicated in step 23, go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting.
NO - If the screen indicates FAILED, check for poor connections or loose terminals at ECT sensor 1, ECT sensor 2, and the ECM. If the ECM was updated, substitute a known-good ECM, Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview then go to step 20. If the ECM was substituted, go to step 1. If the screen indicates NOT COMPLETED, go to step 20.