Circuit Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight and 1995 Buick Park Avenue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
ECT sensor uses a thermistor to control signal voltage to PCM. PCM applies and monitors a 5-volt reference signal to sensor. When engine coolant is cold, sensor (thermistor) resistance is high and PCM will sense a high signal voltage. As engine coolant warms, sensor resistance becomes less and PCM voltage drops. With Code P0118 set, PCM will turn cooling fans on and use a default engine coolant temperature value based on run time.