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 a ground for the low reference circuit.

The purpose of this diagnostic is to analyze the performance of the ECT sensor and the thermostat by comparing the measured ECT to the following 2 distinct models:

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 then maintains that temperature within a calibrated range of the modeled ECT.

DTC P0128 is a Type B DTC.

DTC P0128 is a Type B DTC.

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information.

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Inspect the cooling system surge tank for the proper engine coolant level. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing and Cooling System Draining and Filling.
3. If the ignition has been OFF for 8 hours or greater, the IAT sensor, the IAT sensor 2 and the ECT sensor should be within 9°C (16°F) of each other and also the ambient temperature. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool IAT Sensor, IAT Sensor 2, and the ECT Sensor parameters. Compare those sensor parameters to each other and also to the ambient temperature to determine if the ECT sensor is skewed colder.
4. Engine running, observe the ECT Sensor parameter. The reading should be between -39 to +120°C (-38 to +248°F) depending on the current ambient temperature and the vehicle operating conditions.
5. 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 this DTC.

6. Verify the proper heat range, and the operation of the thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis.
7. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ECT sensor.
2. Inspect the ECT sensor terminals and the harness connector for corrosion.
3. Ignition OFF for 90 seconds, test for less than 5 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal A 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.

4. 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 B for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

5. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal B and the low reference circuit terminal A. Verify the scan tool ECT Sensor parameter is warmer than 142°C (288°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.

6. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the ECT sensor.

Measure and record the resistance of the ECT sensor at various ambient temperatures, then compare those measurements to the Temperature Versus Resistance table.

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.