The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS) is located in the engine coolant passage of the cylinder head for detecting the engine coolant temperature. The ECTS uses a thermistor whose resistance changes with the temperature. The electrical resistance of the ECTS decreases as the temperature increases, and increases as the temperature decreases. The reference 5 V in the PCM is supplied to the ECTS via a resistor in the PCM. That is, the resistor in the PCM and the thermistor in the ECTS are connected in series. When the resistance value of the thermistor in the ECTS changes according to the engine coolant temperature, the output voltage also changes.During cold engine operation the PCM increases the fuel injection duration and controls the ignition timing using the information of engine coolant temperature to avoid engine stalling and improve drivability.
The purpose of this diagnosis is to detect a stuck coolant temperature signal. The diagnostic function checks whether after a variation of the calculated coolant temperature also a variation of the measured coolant temperature is detected.PCM sets DTC P0116 when the variation of measured engine coolant temperature from engine start is smaller than threshold while variation of calculated coolant temperature by PCM is greater than threshold.
Item | Detecting Condition | Possible Cause |
DTC Strategy | ● Check coolant temperature signal stuck. | ● Contact resistance in connections. ● Faulty ECT sensor |
Enable Conditions | ● No ECTS failure ● 6 < Battery voltage < 16V | |
Threshold value | ● TCOmodel increase > Threshold But TCOmeas increase < Threshold (Threshold depends on Coolant start temp. | |
Diagonostic Time | ● 10~30 minutes |
Temp.(°C) | Temp.(°F) | Resistance(kΩ) | Temp.(°C) | Temp.(°F) | Resistance(kΩ) |
-20 | -4 | 14.13~16.83 | 40 | 104 | 1.15 |
0 | 32 | 5.79 | 60 | 140 | 0.59 |
20 | 68 | 2.31~2.59 | 80 | 176 | 0.32 |
If any codes relating to TPS or MAFS are stored, do ALL REPAIRS associated with those codes before proceeding with further troubleshooting
Connect scan tool and select "Diagnostic Trouble Codes(DTCs)" mode
Press F4(DTAL) to select DTC information from the DTCs menu
Confirm that "DTC Readiness Flag" indicates "Complete". If not, drive the vehicle within conditions noted in the freeze frame data or enable conditions
Read "DTC Status" parameter
Is parameter displayed "History(Not Present) fault"?
History (Not Present) fault : DTC occurred but has been cleared.
Present fault : DTC is occurring at present time.
▶ Fault is intermittent caused by poor contact in the sensor's and/or the PCM's connector, which was repaired but PCM memory was not cleared. Thoroughly check connectors for looseness, poor connection, bending, corrosion, contamination, deterioration, or damage. Repair or replace as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure.
▶ Go to next step as below.
Many malfunctions in the electrical system are caused by poor harness(es) and terminals. Faults can also be caused by interference from other electrical systems, and mechanical or chemical damage.
Thoroughly check connectors for looseness, poor connection, bending, corrosion, contamination, deterioration, or damage.
Has a problem been found?
▶ Repair as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure
▶ Go to "Component Inspection" procedure
Ignition "OFF"
Disconnect ECTS connector
Measure resistance between terminals 1 and 3 of the sensor connector(Component side)
Temp.(°C) | Temp.(°F) | Resistance(kΩ) | Temp.(°C) | Temp.(°F) | Resistance(kΩ) |
-20 | -4 | 13.13~16.83 | 40 | 104 | 1.15 |
0 | 32 | 5.79 | 60 | 140 | 0.59 |
20 | 68 | 2.31~2.59 | 80 | 176 | 0.32 |
Is resistance within the specification?
▶ Check for poor connection between PCM and component: backed out terminal, improper mating, broken locks or poor terminal to wire connection. Repair as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure.
▶ Check ECTS for contamination, deterioration, or damage. Substitute with a known-good ECTS and check for proper operation. If the problem is corrected, replace ECTS and then go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure.
After a repair, it is essential to verify that the fault has been corrected.
Connect scan tool and select "Diagnostic Trouble Codes(DTCs)" mode
Press F4(DTAL) and confirm that "DTC Readiness Flag" indicates "Complete". If not, drive the vehicle within conditions noted in the freeze frame data or enable conditions
Read "DTC Status" parameter
Is parameter displayed "History(Not Present) fault"?
▶ System performing to specification at this time. Clear the DTC
▶ Go to the applicable troubleshooting procedure.