P0118
DTC P0118
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor, that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The ECT sensor has a signal circuit and a low reference circuit. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies 5 volts to the ECT signal circuit and a ground for the ECT low reference circuit. When the ECT is cold, the sensor resistance is high. When the ECT increases, the sensor resistance decreases. With high sensor resistance, the PCM detects a high voltage on the ECT signal circuit. With lower sensor resistance, the PCM detects a lower voltage on the ECT signal circuit. If the PCM detects an excessively high ECT signal voltage, which is a low temperature indication, DTC P0118 sets.
DTC DESCRIPTOR
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage
CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING THE DTC
- The engine has been running for more than 60 seconds. OR The engine run time is less than 60 seconds when the intake air temperature (IAT) is more than 0°C (32°F).
- DTC P0118 runs continuously when the above condition is met.
CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC
The PCM detects that the ECT sensor parameter is less than -38°C (-36°F) for 23 seconds.
ACTION TAKEN WHEN THE DTC SETS
- The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
- The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.
CONDITIONS FOR CLEARING THE MIL/DTC
- The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
- A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
- A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
- Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.
DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
- If a short to a separate 5-Volt source occurs, this DTC may set.
- After starting the engine, the ECT should rise steadily, then stabilize when the thermostat opens.
- Use the Temperature vs. Resistance table in order to test the ECT sensor. A skewed sensor could result in poor driveability conditions. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance.
- If the condition is suspected of being intermittent, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections. Component Tests and General Diagnostics
TEST
