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Home >> Nissan-Datsun >> 2004 >> Sentra SE-R Spec V >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 70 (Engine Controls - Self-Diagnostics) >> Diagnostic Tests >> DTC P0117: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input Or DTC P0118: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input >> Diagnostic Procedure
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Diagnostic Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Nissan Xterra and 2002 Nissan Frontier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Turn ignition off. Disconnect ECT sensor harness connector. See Fig 1 or Fig 2 . Turn ignition on. Measure voltage between ground and ECT sensor harness connector terminal No. 1 (Light Green/Red wire). If voltage is about 5 volts, go to next step. If voltage is not about 5 volts, repair open or short between ECM and ECT sensor.
  2. Turn ignition off. Check continuity between engine ground and ECT sensor harness connector terminal No. 2 (Black/White wire on 2.4L models; Brown wire on 3.3L models). Continuity should exist. Also, check circuit for short to voltage. If problem is found, go to next step. If problem is not found, go to step  4 .
  3. Check the following:
    • Check for open or short between ECT sensor and ECM.
    • On 3.3L models, check Gray, 6-pin joint connector No. 4 (connector F34). Continuity should exist between all terminals. Connector F34 is located near ECM. See Figure or Figure .

    On all models, repair as necessary.

  4. Remove ECT sensor, and place in heated water. Measure resistance between sensor terminals, with water at specified temperatures. See ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR RESISTANCE  table. If resistance is as specified, go to next step. If resistance is not as specified, replace ECT sensor.
  5. No problem is indicated at this time. Problem may be intermittent. See INTERMITTENTS in TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR RESISTANCE

Temperature - °F (°C) (1) Ohms
14 (-10) 7000-11,400
68 (20) 2100-2900
122 (50) 680-1000
194 (90) 236-260
(1) Resistance should decrease as temperature increases. See Figure .
Fig 1: Locating ECT Sensor (2.4L)
G99I54823Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Fig 2: Locating ECT Sensor (3.3L)
G99F51883Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.