Engine Coolant Temperature
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Suzuki Reno and 2006 Suzuki Forenza. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor sends engine temperature information to the ECM. The ECM supplies 5 V to the engine coolant temperature sensor circuit. The sensor is a thermistor which changes internal resistance as temperature changes. When the sensor is cold (internal resistance high), the ECM monitors a high voltage which it interprets as a cold engine. As the sensor warms (internal resistance decreases), the voltage signal will decrease and the ECM will interpret the lower voltage as a warm engine.