P0119
DTC P0119
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0119
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Intermittent
Diagnostic Fault Information
Typical Scan Tool Data
Circuit 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 supplies a ground to the low reference circuit. The ECM monitors the performance of the ECT sensor. If the ECM detects excessive noise or rapid fluctuations in the ECT signal, this DTC sets.
The following table illustrates the difference between temperature, resistance, and voltage:
Conditions for Running the DTC
* DTC P0117, P0118, P0125, or P0128 is not set.
* The ignition is ON or the engine is operating.
* DTC P0119 runs continuously once the above conditions are met.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
* The ECM detects that the ECT changed greater than an expected value during a calibrated amount of time.
* The condition exists for greater than 4 seconds or an accumulation of 50 seconds over time.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
DTC P0119 is a Type B DTC.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
DTC P0119 is a Type B DTC.
Diagnostic Aids
* Test the ECT sensor at various temperature levels in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed sensor. A skewed sensor can result in a DTC or a driveability condition. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (Temperature Versus Resistance - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor) .
* If the vehicle has sat overnight, the IAT sensor and the ECT sensor values should display within 3°C (5°F).
* After starting a cold engine, the ECT sensor temperature should rise steadily, then stabilize after the thermostat opens.
* High resistance on either the ECT sensor signal circuit or the ECT sensor low reference circuit could set a DTC.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Engine Controls Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
DTC Type Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions (Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Observe the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor parameter with a scan tool while moving the ECT sensor connector and the engine control module (ECM) connector. The ECT sensor parameter should not fluctuate while moving the related harnesses and connectors.
• Repair the suspected harness or connection if the ECT parameter fluctuates greater than 3°C (5°F) while moving the related harnesses and connectors.
2. Inspect the engine coolant level. Verify that the cooling system is operating correctly.
• If you suspect a condition with engine cooling system, refer to Symptoms - Engine Cooling (Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures) .
3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
2. Ignition ON, verify that the ECT sensor parameter is at -40°C (-40°F).
• If greater than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
Notice: Do NOT use a test lamp to test the continuity of the circuit. Damage to the control module may occur due to excessive current draw.
Important: The control module or the sensor may be damaged if the circuit is shorted to B+.
3. Test for less than 1 volt between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.
• If greater than the specified value, test the low reference circuit for a short to B+. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
4. Ignition OFF, remove the fuse that supplies B+ to circuit terminal X2-56 of the ECM.
5. Test for less than 5 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 2 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 ECM.
6. Install the fuse that supplies B+ to circuit terminal X2-56 of the ECM.
Important: If the fuse in the jumper wire opens, the signal circuit is shorted to a voltage and the sensor may be damaged.
7. Ignition ON, connect a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 1 and the low reference circuit terminal 2. Verify the scan tool ECT sensor parameter is greater than 142°C (288°F).
• If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ECT sensor.
Component Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the intake air temperature (ECT) sensor.
Important: A thermometer can be used to test the sensor off the vehicle.
2. Test the ECT sensor by varying the sensor temperature while monitoring the sensor resistance. Compare the readings with the Temperature Versus Resistance - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (Temperature Versus Resistance - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor) table and verify that the resistance is within 5 percent of the specification.
• If not within the specified range, replace the ECT sensor.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming