Monitor Description

The ECT sensor is used to monitor the ECT. The ECT sensor has a built-in thermistor with a resistance that varies according to the temperature of the engine coolant. When the ECT becomes low, the resistance of the thermistor increases. When the temperature becomes high, the resistance drops. These variations in the resistance are reflected in the voltage output from the ECT sensor.

The ECM monitors the sensor voltage and uses this value to calculate the ECT. If the sensor voltage output deviates from the normal operating range, the ECM interprets this deviation as a malfunction in the ECT sensor and sets the DTC.

Examples: 

• Upon starting the engine, the ECT is between 35°C and 60°C (95°F and 140°F). If the ECT remains within 3°C (5.4°F) of the stating temperature after driving for 250 seconds, the DTC is set (2 trip detection logic).
• Upon starting the engine, the ECT is over 60°C (140°F). If the ECT remains within 1°C (1.8°F) of the starting temperature after driving for 250 seconds, the DTC is set (6 trip detection logic).