P0117

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor, sometimes called a thermistor, that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies 5 volts to the ECT signal circuit. When the ECT is cold, the sensor resistance is high. When the ECT increases, the sensor resistance lowers. 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 low ECT signal voltage, which is a high temperature indication, this diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will set.

CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING THE DTC
The engine has been running more than 128 seconds.

CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC
The ECT sensor indicates an engine coolant temperature more than 138°C (280°F) for longer than 6.25 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
^ An overheating condition may cause this DTC to set.
^ After starting the engine, the ECT sensor temperature should rise steadily to about 90°C (194°F) then stabilize after the thermostat opens.
^ Use the Temperature vs Resistance Value Table to test the ECT sensor at various temperature levels in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed sensor. A skewed sensor could result in poor driveability concerns. Refer to Temperature vs Resistance.
^ If this DTC is determined to be intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions. Intermittent Conditions

TEST

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