Diagnostic Aids

An overheating condition may cause this DTC to set.
After starting the engine, the ECT sensor temperature should rise steadily, then stabilize after the thermostat opens.
Test the ECT sensor at various temperature levels in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed sensor. A skewed sensor can result in a driveability condition.
If the vehicle has set overnight, the ECT sensor and the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor values should display within 3°C (5°F). Refer to TEMPERATURE VS RESISTANCE .
For an intermittent condition, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

DTC P0117

Step	Action	Values	Yes	No
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics Connect End View Reference: Engine Control Module (ECM) Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views
1	Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls?	-	Go to Step 2	Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls
2	IMPORTANT: The cooling fans are commanded ON when certain DTCs are set. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF. Observe the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor parameter with a scan tool. Is the temperature more than the specified value?	149°C (300°F)	Go to Step 4	Go to Step 3
3	Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds. Start the engine. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records. Did the DTC fail this ignition?	-	Go to Step 4	Go to Diagnostic Aids
4	Disconnect the ECT sensor. Observe the ECT sensor parameter with a scan tool. Is the temperature less than the specified value?	-39°C (-38°F)	Go to Step 6	Go to Step 5
5	Test the signal circuit of the ECT sensor for a short to ground and for a short to a low reference circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?	-	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 8
6	Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ECT sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?	-	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 8
7	Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?	-	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 9
8	Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?	-	Go to Step 10	-
9	Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module (ECM) Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?	-	Go to Step 10	-
10	Clear the DTCs with a scan tool. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds. Start the engine. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records. Did the DTC fail this ignition?	-	Go to Step 2	Go to Step 11
11	Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool. Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?	-	Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List	System OK