DTC Advanced Diagnostics: P0115
DTC P0115:Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 1 Out of Range

General Description


The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the engine coolant temperature for rationality malfunctions. In order to provide diagnosis, the measured engine coolant temperature from the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor 1 is monitored against expected engine coolant temperature at engine start. The expected engine coolant temperature is a modeled temperature which represents the lowest possible heating up of engine coolant temperature. The measured engine coolant temperature is always higher than expected temperature value in case of valid sensor. If the difference between measured and expected engine coolant temperature is a specified value, the PCM detects a malfunction and stores a DTC.

Monitor Execution, Sequence, Duration, DTC Type
Execution
Once per driving cycle
Sequence
None
Duration
10 seconds or more
DTC Type
Two drive cycles, MIL on

Enable Conditions
Low side check
Condition
Minimum
Maximum
Expected engine coolant temperature
-22.07 °F (-30.04 °C)
–
Engine speed [Engine Speed]
1 rpm
–
[ ]: HDS Parameter

High side check
Condition
Minimum
Maximum
Integrated intake air amount
0 kg (0 lbs)
–
Other
ECT sensor 1 value is valid

Malfunction Threshold
Low side check
Either of the conditions is met for at least 10 seconds:
?
The measured engine coolant temperature [ECT Sensor 1] is higher than 341.93 °F (189.96 °C) from the expected engine coolant temperature.
?
The expected engine coolant temperature is higher than 17.93 °F (9.96 °C) from the measured engine coolant temperature [ECT Sensor 1].
High side check
The measured engine coolant temperature is higher than 17.93 °F (9.96 °C) from the expected engine coolant temperature [ECT Sensor 1] for at least 10 seconds.

Possible Cause
NOTE: The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.
ECT sensor 1 failure
PCM internal circuit failure

Diagnosis Details
Conditions for setting the DTC
When a malfunction is detected during the first drive cycle, a Pending DTC is stored in the PCM memory. If the malfunction returns in the next (second) drive cycle, the MIL comes on and a Confirmed DTC and the freeze data are stored.

Conditions for clearing the DTC
The MIL is cleared if the malfunction does not return in three consecutive trips in which the diagnostic runs. The MIL, the Pending DTC, the Confirmed DTC, and the freeze data can be cleared with the scan tool Clear command.