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 ECM is supplied to the ECTS via a resistor in the ECM. That is, the resistor in the ECM 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 ECM increases the fuel injection duration and controls the ignition timing using the information of engine coolant temperature to avoid engine stalling and improve drivability.
Checking the coolant temperature under detecting condition, if the coolant temperature exceeds the threshold temperature under normal operation loads, ECM sets P0217. MIL(Malfunction Indication Lamp) turns on when the malfunction lasts till consecutive 2 driving cycle.
Item
Detecting Condition
Possible Cause
DTC Strategy
Monitor the coolant temperature
ECTS
Enable Conditions
Coolant sensor is normal
No disabling faults present(DTCs related to MAFS/MAPS, catalyst, fuel system or engine oil temperature sensor)
Coolant Temperature at startup < 45?( 113 °F)
Engine running state
Coolant temperature > 50?( 122 °F)
Intake air temperature < 35?( 95 °F)
Threshold value
Coolant temperature = 110?
(230 °F)(Average airflow< 30 g/sec and filtered airflow< 50 g/sec)
Diagnosis Time
Once per driving cycle ( about 2 minutes)
MIL On Condition
2 Driving Cycles
Temp. (?)
Resistance (k?)
-40
48.14
40
1.15
-20
14.13 ~ 16.83
60
0.59
0
5.79
80
0.32
20
2.31 ~ 2.59
Fig 1) Normal data of IATS(82?) & ECTS(195?) & EOTS(191?) after warming up.