Service Information

Captiva

DTC P0119

Diagnostic Instructions

•	Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

•	Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.

•	Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0119: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Intermittent

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit	Short to Ground	Open/High Resistance	Short to Voltage	Signal Performance
ECT Sensor Signal	P0117	P0116, P0118, P0119	P0118, P0119	P0116*
Low Reference	-	P0116, P0118, P0119	P0118, P0119	P0116*
* Internal ECM or sensor damage may occur if the circuit is shorted to B+

Typical Scan Tool Data

ECT Sensor

Circuit	Short to Ground	Open	Short to Voltage
*Operating Conditions:* Engine operating in Closed Loop *Parameter Normal Range:* -39 to +142°C (-38 to +288°F) Varies with coolant temperature.
ECT Sensor Signal	143°C (289°F)	-40°C (-40°F)	-40°C (-40°F)*
Low Reference	-	-40°C (-40°F)	-40°C (-40°F)*
* Internal ECM or ECT sensor damage may occur if the circuit is shorted to B+

The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the ECT signal circuit and supplies an ground to the low reference circuit. The ECM monitors the performance of the ECT sensor. If the ECM detects excessive noise or rapid fluctuations in the ECT signal, this DTC sets.

The following table illustrates the difference between temperature, resistance, and voltage:

ECT	ECT Resistance	ECT Signal Voltage
Cold	High	High
Warm	Low	Low

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	DTC P0117 or P0118 is not set.

•	The ignition is ON or the engine is operating.

•	DTC P0119 runs continuously once the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

•	The ECM detects that the ECT changed ±5°C (±9°F) greater than the expected value during a calibrated amount of time.

•	The condition exists for approximately 1 minute.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0119 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0119 is a Type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

•	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 DTC or a driveability condition. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor .

•	If the vehicle has sat overnight, the IAT sensor and the ECT sensor values should display within 3°C (5°F).

•	After starting a cold engine, the ECT sensor temperature should rise steadily, then stabilise after the thermostat opens.

•	High resistance on either the ECT sensor signal circuit or the ECT sensor low reference circuit could set a DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

•	Circuit Testing

•	Connector Repairs

•	Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

•	Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Observe the scan tool engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor parameter, while moving the ECT sensor connector and the K20 ECM connector. The ECT sensor parameter should not fluctuate while moving the related harnesses and connectors.

⇒	Repair the suspected harness or connection if the ECT parameter fluctuates greater than 3°C (5°F) while moving the related harnesses and connectors.

Inspect the engine coolant level. Verify that the cooling system is operating correctly.

⇒	If you suspect a condition with engine cooling system, refer to Loss of Coolant .

Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the B34 ECT sensor.
Ignition OFF, remove the fuse that supplies B+ to circuit terminal 56 X2 of the K20 ECM.

Caution: Do NOT use a test lamp to test the continuity of the circuit. Damage to the control module may occur due to excessive current draw.

Note: The control module or the sensor may be damaged if the circuit is shorted to battery positive voltage.

Test for less than 5 Ω between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance, or for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 ECM.

Install the fuse that supplies B+ to circuit terminal 56 X2 of the K20 ECM.
Ignition ON, verify that the scan tool ECT sensor parameter is at -40°C (-40°F).

⇒	If warmer than the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 1 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 ECM.

Note: If the fuse in the jumper wire opens, the signal circuit is shorted to a voltage and the sensor may be damaged.

Ignition ON, install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 1 and the low reference circuit terminal 2. Verify the ECT sensor parameter is greater than 142°C (288°F).

⇒	If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 ECM.

If all circuits test normal, test or replace the B34 ECT sensor.

Component Testing

Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the B34 engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.

Note: A thermometer can be used to test the sensor off the vehicle.

Test the ECT sensor by varying the sensor temperature while monitoring the sensor resistance. Compare the readings with the Temperature Versus Resistance - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor table and verify that the resistance is within 5 percent of the specification.

⇒	If not within the specified range, replace the B34 ECT sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

•	Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement : LF1 or LFW

•	Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming