P0128
DTC P0128
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 P0128
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature
Diagnostic Fault Information
Typical Scan Tool Data
Circuit/System 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 sensor signal circuit and supplies a ground to the low reference circuit. The purpose of this diagnostic is to analyze the performance of the thermostat by using the ECT sensor to determine if the engine coolant will increase at the correct rate, and also meet the calibrated target temperatures under various operating conditions. The ECM uses the start-up ECT and the start-up intake air temperature (IAT) to begin the diagnostic calculation. The air flow into the engine is accumulated, and vehicle speed, distance, and engine run time are also factored in to determine if the ECT does increase normally and reach the calibrated target temperatures.
Conditions for Running the DTC
* DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0112, P0113, P0117, or P0118 are not set.
* The start-up ECT is colder than 75°C (167°F).
* The IAT Sensor is warmer than -7°C (+19°F).
* The engine run time is between 30-1,800 seconds.
* The vehicle is driven greater than 0.8 kilometer (0.5 mile) at greater than 8 km/h (5 mph).
* The DTC runs once per ignition cycle when the above conditions are met.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECM detects that the actual amount of accumulated air flow is greater than the predicted amount of accumulated air flow before the ECT reaches 80°C (176°F).
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
DTC P0128 is a Type B DTC.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
DTC P0128 is a Type B DTC.
Diagnostic Aids
* DTC P0128 occurring with insufficient vehicle interior heating is an indication of improper thermostat operation.
* Inspect the ECT sensor terminals and the ECT harness connector for corrosion. This condition results in a greater voltage on the ECT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a colder ECT.
* This diagnostic runs in a specific range. Measure and record the resistance of the ECT sensor at various ambient temperatures between -7 to +80°C (+19 to +176°F), then compare those measurements to the Temperature Versus Resistance (Temperature Versus Resistance) table.
* A slight to moderate resistance in the ECT sensor signal circuit or low reference circuit will affect this diagnostic. This condition results in a greater voltage on the ECT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a colder ECT.
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. Ignition OFF, inspect the cooling system surge tank for the proper coolant level. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics) and Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill) (Service and Repair)Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716 Fill) (Service and Repair).
2. Ignition OFF for 8 hours or greater.
3. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool IAT Sensor and ECT Sensor parameters. The ECT, IAT, and ambient temperatures should be within 15°C (27°F) of each other.
4. Use the scan tool to verify the proper operation of the engine cooling system fans.
Important: A critical analysis of the operation of the thermostat is necessary to properly diagnose these DTCs.
5. Verify the proper heat range and the operation of the thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis (Component Tests and General Diagnostics).
6. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. 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 harness connector at the ECT sensor.
2. Ignition OFF for 90 seconds, 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.
3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECT Sensor parameter is colder than -39°C (-38°F).
• If warmer than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal 1 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
4. Install 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 warmer than 149°C (300°F).
• If colder than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ECT sensor.
Component Testing
Measure and record the resistance of the ECT sensor at various ambient temperatures, then compare those measurements to the Temperature Versus Resistance (Temperature Versus Resistance) table.
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 ECM replacement, setup, and programming