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Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT)
The coolant temperature sensor, or ECT is a component found in the vehicle's engine.
What is the coolant temperature sensor?
The ECT sensor is a very important device in the engine. It uses a resistor, which induces a voltage drop to the machine,
so that the air/fuel composition is set and the injector pulse is stabilized. In this way, the temperature can be calculated.
Likewise, the coolant temperature sensor is responsible for sending information to the computer. In this way, the engine ventilation is activated.
What is the ECT sensor?
This is the one that is responsible for measuring the temperature and monitoring the cold start,
this is because the injection systems have begun to maneuver.
Therefore, a sensor is needed to warn and send information to the ECU and thus vary the amount of fuel as needed.
What is it used for? Function of the coolant temperature sensor
The primary function of the ECT is to calculate the temperature of the engine coolant.
It then sends this information to the computer, which is responsible for controlling and normalizing the injection system.
It also modifies the air/fuel composition.
How does the ECT sensor work?
Because it is a thermistor, the hotter it gets, the lower the resistance is.
Therefore, it sends a signal to the ECU, which is not linear, but proportional.
Thanks to this, the ECU can receive the information, decipher the values and transform them into a coolant temperature index.
On the other hand, if the engine is cold, the machine increases the fuel injection time, as well as the ignition persistence.
However, the engine temperature is taken into consideration, so that it does not drop so low that it shuts down.
In this case, the Check Engine lamp will light up.
Location of the coolant temperature sensor
To find the location of the ECT sensor, you must go to the depth or lower part of the engine.
There, you will find it screwed either on the internal intake compound or on the cylinder head.
So, it will always be close to the coolant passage area to have continuous contact with the fluid.
ECT Sensor Types
The only type of ECT sensor that exists is the NTC thermistor, which means a negative temperature factor resistor.
So, when the temperature is very high, the conductivity of the sensor is higher.
However, this relationship is not linear, but adjustable. That is, it does not perform Ohm's law.
OBD2 codes related to the coolant temperature sensor
The ECT sensor is responsible for sending information to the computer and the injector system.
this way, the engine operates normally. However, when faults occur, they must be differentiated from each other in order to attack the problem.
So, OBD2 codes have been established, among which are:
DTC P0117, is set when the PCM senses that the signal voltage is below the normal range, which prevents the sensor from functioning.
Also, according to the OBD2 (or on-board diagnostic system) there are also faults P0118 and P0125.
On the other hand, P0070 is the ECT circuit.
P0071 stands for coolant temperature sensor category/occupancy.
In addition, the low input ECT sensor circuit is P0072.
Common ECT Sensor Faults
The coolant temperature sensor is a fundamental part of the engine, because if it does not perform its function well, it will also affect the injection system.
When trying to start the car when it is cold, problems occur.
Idling or hesitant idling.
Even if the engine temperature is optimal, difficulties arise when starting.
Excessive fuel consumption.
Inconveniences when activating the electric cooling fans.
How to test if the coolant temperature sensor works?
It is necessary to know how to test the ECT sensor in order to diagnose any fault.
In this case, you must check if the ECU is outside the minimum and maximum temperature measurements.
If so, there is a fault in the NTC resistor of this sensor. Therefore, it has an opening in the circuit.
In addition, it will present all the failures mentioned above. Therefore, to verify that it is in perfect working order, it must show the following values:
Between point C and A, the resistance should be 2.5 kΩ when the coolant temperature is at 20º Celsius.
This is used as an intervention signal in the injection method.
On the other hand, when the coolant temperature is at 80º Celsius, the resistance should be about 0.05 kΩ, between point C and A.
In this case, it serves as an instrumentation indication in the tool compartment.
How to clean the ECT sensor?
If you want to clean the ECT sensor, you don't need to be an automotive engineer, you just need to know where it is located.
Once it is displayed, it is unscrewed for maintenance from the outside.
Now that you have it in your hands, you must wash it well.
To do this, use a spray to spray it well. Also, finish the process by drying it with pressurized air.
This is important, because the old liquid accumulated in the coolant can cause the sensor to fail.
Now you know what the coolant temperature sensor (ECT) is for. As well, you are better prepared in case
an engine failure occurs. Therefore, remember to do a good maintenance to always have a good electrical operation.
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