Monitor Description

The resistance of the ECT sensor varies in proportion to the actual ECT. The ECM supplies a constant voltage to the sensor and monitors the signal output voltage of the sensor. The signal voltage output varies according to the changing resistance of the sensor. After the engine is started, the ECT is monitored through this signal. If the ECT sensor indicates that the engine is not yet warm enough for closed-loop fuel control, despite a specified period of time having elapsed since the engine was started, the ECM interprets this as a malfunction in the sensor or cooling system and sets the DTC.

Example: 

The ECT is 0°C (32°F) at engine start. After 5 minutes 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 sets the DTC.