Monitor Description

The ECT sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the engine coolant. The resistance of the sensor varies with the actual coolant temperature. The ECM applies a voltage to the sensor and the varying resistance of the sensor causes the signal voltage to vary. The ECM monitors the ECT signal voltage after engine start-up. If, after sufficient time has passed, the sensor still reports that the engine is not warm enough for closed loop fuel control, the ECM interprets this as a fault in the sensor or cooling system and sets a DTC.

Example:

The ECT is 0°C (32°F) at engine start. After about 1 minute of running time, the ECT sensor still indicates that the engine is not warm enough to begin closed-loop fuel (air-fuel ratio feedback) control. The ECM interprets this as a malfunction in the sensor or cooling system and stores the DTC.