P0115
DTC P0115 Engine Coolant Temperature CircuitCIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
DTC Detection Condition:
A thermistor is built into the engine coolant temperature sensor and changes the resistance value according to the engine coolant temperature. The structure of the sensor and connection to the ECM is the same as those of intake air temperature sensor.
HINT: If the ECM detects the DTC P0115, P0117 or P0118, it operates the fail-safe functions in which the engine coolant temperature is assumed to be 80 °C (176 °F).
HINT: After confirming DTC P0115, P0117 or P0118, confirm the engine coolant temperature in the "DIAGNOSIS / ENHANCED OBD II / DATA LIST / ALL" using the hand-held tester or the OBD II scan tool.
MONITOR DESCRIPTION
Monitor Strategy:
Typical Enabling Conditions:
Typical Malfunction Thresholds:
Component Operating Range:
The ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature) sensor is used to monitor the engine coolant temperature. The ECT sensor has a thermistor that varies its resistance depending on the temperature of the engine coolant. When the coolant temperature is low, the resistance in the thermistor increases. When the temperature is high, the resistance drops. The variations in resistance are reflected in the voltage output from the sensor.
The ECM monitors the sensor voltage and uses this value to calculate the engine coolant temperature. When the sensor output voltage deviates from the normal operating range, the ECM interprets this as a fault in the ECT sensor and sets a DTC.
Example:
When the ECM calculates that the ECT is less than -40 °C (-40 °F), or more than 140 °C (284 °F), and if either condition continues for 0.5 sec. or more, the ECM will set a DTC.
Wiring Diagram:
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4 - 5:
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
HINT:
- If different DTCs that are related to different systems are output simultaneously while terminal E2 is used as a ground terminal, terminal E2 may be open.
- Read freeze frame data using hand-held tester or OBD II scan tool. Because freeze frame records the engine conditions when a malfunction is detected. When troubleshooting, it is useful for determining whether the vehicle was running or stopped, the engine was warmed up or not, the air-fuel ratio was lean or rich, etc. at the time of the malfunction.
CHECK FOR INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS
HINT:
Hand-held tester only:
Inspect the vehicle's ECM using check mode. Intermittent problems are easier to detect with the hand-held tester when the ECM is in check mode. In check mode, the ECM uses 1trip detection logic, which is more sensitive to malfunctions than normal mode (default) that uses 2trip detection logic.
a. Clear DTCs.
b. Switch the ECM from normal mode to check mode using a hand-held tester.
c. Perform a simulation test.
d. Check and wiggle the harness(es), the connector(s) and terminal(s).