CAR OBD CODES
OBD/DTC Search, e.g.P0117
CAR OBD CODES P0117
P0117 OBD Code Definition:
P0117 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 OBD Code Description:
OBD2 Code P0117 Definition:
The ECT (Engine coolant temperature) sensor is a thermistor located in the engine block or other coolant passage. It changes resistance with changes in temperature of the coolant that it’s in contact with. It’s usually a two wire sensor. One wire is a 5 volt reference from PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and the other is a ground supplied from PCM. As the temperature of the coolant changes, the resistance of the sensor changes. When the engine is cold, the resistance is high. When the engine is warm, the resistance is low. If the PCM detects a signal voltage lower than the normal operating range of the sensor then P0117 code will set.
Symptoms
Possible sumptoms of P0117
Potential symptoms include: MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illumination Poor fuel economy Poor drivability Engine may run rough or blow black smoke out the tailpipe May not idle May start and then die
Possible Causes
Possible causes of P0117
Potential causes of the P0117 code include: Bad ECT sensor Short to ground on ECT signal circuit Faulty or damaged connectors Wiring harness damaged Loose terminals at ECT or PCM POSSIBLY an overheated engine Bad PCM
Possible Solutions
Since this code is for an abnormally low signal to the PCM from the ECT, the PCM saw a excessively “hot” condition in the engine coolant. This could be due to faulty ECT sensor or wiring, but it could, conceivably, be caused by an overheated engine.So if your engine was overheated diagnose that first. Having said that here are the possible solutions: Using a scan tool, with KOEO (Key on engine off) check the ECT reading on the display. On a cold engine the ECT reading should match the IAT (Intake Air Temperature) sensor reading. If it doesn’t, replace the ECT sensor.1. If the ECT reading is showing an excessively hot reading, for example more than 260 deg. F, then unplug the ECT sensor. This should cause the ECT reading to drop to the extreme cold reading (around -30 deg.F or so). If it does, replace the sensor, because it’s internally shorted. If it doesn’t change the reading, the check for a short to ground on the signal circuit of the ECT wiring. It could be that the two ECT wires are shorted to each other. Look for any chafing or melted wiring. Repair as necessary. a. If you can’t find any wiring problems and the ECT reading doesn’t drop to the extreme coldest when unplugged, then, check for voltage coming out of the PCM on the signal wire’s pin at the PCM connector. If there isn’t any voltage, or it is low, then the PCM may be bad. NOTE: On some models it is possible for the 5 Volt reference signal to be temperarily shorted. This can happen if an engine sensor internally shorts the 5 Volt reference. Since the 5 Volt reference is a “shared” circuit on many models, this will cause it to be abnormally low. Usually, though this will be accompanied by several other sensor codes. If you suspect that may be the case, unplug each sensor until the 5 Volt reference reappears. The last sensor unplugged is the offending sensor. Replace and recheck the signal wire from the PCM connector 2. If the scan tool ECT reading seems normal at this time then the problem may be intermittent. Use a “wiggle” test to manipulate the wiring harness and connectors while watching the ECT reading on the scan tool. Repair any wiring or connectors that are loose or corroded. You could check the Freeze frame data if your scan tool has that function. It will show the ECT reading when the failure occurred. If it shows the reading to be at the hottest extreme then replace the ECT sensor and see if the code reappears. OBD-II Codes
P0115 P0116 P0118 P0119 P0125 P0128
Note: The information on the P0117 error code is purely informative, if you need more useful information, please consult your technician.
B2059 B127D B2671 B2216 B1096 B2637 B1529 B1752 B2115 B1670 B2458 B2614 B1703 P0B22 B1C06 OBDII Chassis Codes
C0012 C0089 C1976 C1881 C1316 C2792 C0032 C1153 C1720 C1226 C2300 C1885 C0579 C1110 C1521 OBDII Network Codes
U210B U0062 U0208 U0186 U010E U0041 U0043 U0414 U1204 U0479 U0410 U0128 U1161 U0220 U0247 OBDII Powertrain Codes
P0916 P0658 P0B74 P1533 P20BC P2336 P138F P02A0 P2485 P0BCF P188F P0515 P0754 P3010 P3470