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Home >> Cadillac >> 1998 >> Catera >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Control System - Tests W/Codes >> Diagnostic Trouble Codes >> DTC P0115 - ECT Sensor Circuit >> Diagnostic Aids

Diagnostic Aids

For any test that requires probing ECM or component harness connectors, use Connector Test Adapter Kit (J-35616-A). This will prevent damage to harness connector terminals. Check for the following conditions:

Check for poor connections at ECM or at component. Inspect harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals and poor terminal-to-wire connection.

Check for damaged wiring harness. If harness appears to be okay, observe scan tool while moving related connectors and wiring harnesses. A change in scan tool display may help to locate fault. If sensor signal is only affected when harness is moved at a component, and there is no problem with wiring harness or connections, component may be faulty.

If other DTCs are set that share the same ground circuit, check point where circuits ground to chassis or engine block. If engine has been allowed to sit over night, engine coolant temperature and engine intake air temperature values should display within a few degrees of each other. If temperatures are not within 5°F (3°C), refer to ECT TEMPERATURE VS. RESISTANCE  table.

When checking ECT sensor, refer to ECT TEMPERATURE VS. RESISTANCE table to test sensor at various temperature levels to check for shifted sensor. A shifted sensor could result in poor driveability complaints.

ECT TEMPERATURE VS. RESISTANCE

Temperature °F (°C) Ohms
210 (99) 190
160 (71) 400
100 (38) 1250
70 (21) 2350
40 (4) 4780
20 (-7) 8100
0 (-18) 14650