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DTC P0117: Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low Input
 
 
 
 
CIRCUIT OPERATION
  • 5-volt voltage is applied to the engine coolant temperature sensor output terminal from the ECM terminal WTS via the resistor in the ECM. The ground terminal is grounded with ECM terminal SENG.
  • The engine coolant temperature sensor is a negative temperature coefficient type of resistor. It has the characteristic that when the engine coolant temperature rises the resistance decreases.
  • The engine coolant temperature sensor output voltage increases when the resistance increases and decreases when the resistance decreases.
 
 
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
  • The engine coolant temperature sensor converts the engine coolant temperature to a voltage and outputs it.
  • The ECM checks whether this voltage is within a specified range.
 
 
DESCRIPTIONS OF MONITOR METHODS
  • Engine coolant temperature sensor output voltage is out of specified range.
 
 
MONITOR EXECUTION
  • Continuous
 
 
MONITOR EXECUTION CONDITIONS (Other monitor and Sensor)
Other Monitor (There is no temporary DTC stored in memory for the item monitored below)
  • Not applicable
Sensor (The sensor below is determined to be normal)
  • Not applicable
 
 
DTC SET CONDITIONS
Logic Flow Chart
 
 
Check Condition
  • More than 2 seconds have passed since the engine starting sequence was completed.
Judgment Criterion
  • Engine coolant temperature sensor output voltage is less than 0.1 volt for 2 seconds.
 
 
FAIL-SAFE AND BACKUP FUNCTION
  • Control as if the engine coolant temperature is 80°C (176°F).
 
 
OBD-II DRIVE CYCLE PATTERN
  • Refer to Diagnostic Function - OBD-II Drive Cycle - Pattern 22 .
 
 
TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS (The most likely causes for this code to be set are:)
  • Engine coolant temperature sensor failed.
  • Shorted engine coolant temperature sensor circuit, or connector damage.
  • ECM failed.

 
 
DIAGNOSIS
Required Special Tools:
  • MB992744: Vehicle communication interface-Lite (V.C.I.-Lite)
  • MB992745: V.C.I.-Lite main harness A
  • MB992747: V.C.I.-Lite USB cable short
  • MB992748: V.C.I.-Lite USB cable long
  • MB991958: Scan Tool (M.U.T.-III Sub Assembly)
    • MB991824: Vehicles Communication Interface (V.C.I.)
    • MB991827: M.U.T.-III USB Cable
    • MB991910: M.U.T.-III Main Harness A (Vehicles with CAN communication system)
STEP 1. Using scan tool (M.U.T.-III), check data list item 6: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.
cautionTo prevent damage to scan tool (M.U.T.-III), always turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position before connecting or disconnecting scan tool (M.U.T.-III).
(1) Connect scan tool (M.U.T.-III). Refer to HOW TO CONNECT THE SCAN TOOL (M.U.T.-III) .
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position.
(3) Set scan tool (M.U.T.-III) to the data reading mode for item 6, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.
  • The engine coolant temperature and temperature shown with the scan tool should approximately match.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position.
Is the sensor operating properly?
It can be assumed that this malfunction is intermittent. Refer to GROUP 00, How to Use Troubleshooting/Inspection Service Points - How to Cope with Intermittent Malfunctions .
Go to Step 2.
 
STEP 2. Check the engine coolant temperature sensor.
Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Check .
Is the engine coolant temperature sensor normal?
Go to Step 3.
Replace the engine coolant temperature sensor. Then go to Step 5.
 
STEP 3. Check of short circuit to ground in WTS line between engine coolant temperature sensor connector and ECM connector.
Is the harness wire in good condition?
Go to Step 4.
Repair the connector(s) or wiring harness. Then go to Step 5.
 
STEP 4. Using scan tool (M.U.T.-III), check data list item 6: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position.
(2) Set scan tool (M.U.T.-III) to the data reading mode for item 6, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.
  • The engine coolant temperature and temperature shown with the scan tool should approximately match.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position.
Is the sensor operating properly?
It can be assumed that this malfunction is intermittent. Refer to GROUP 00, How to Use Troubleshooting/Inspection Service Points - How to Cope with Intermittent Malfunctions .
Replace the ECM (Refer to, Removal and Installation ). Then go to Step 5.
 
STEP 5. Test the OBD-II drive cycle.
(1) Carry out a test drive with the drive cycle pattern. Refer to Diagnostic Function - OBD-II Drive Cycle - Pattern 22 .
(2) Check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC).
Is DTC P0117 set?
Retry the troubleshooting.
The inspection is complete.