Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

ECT

Scan Tool Range -40°C to 151°C, -40°F to 304°F. The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is mounted in the coolant stream and sends engine temperature information to the PCM. The PCM applies 5 volts to the ECT sensor circuit. The sensor is a thermistor which changes internal resistance as temperature changes. When the sensor is cold (internal resistance high), the PCM monitors a high signal voltage and interprets it as a cold engine. As the sensor warms (internal resistance decreases), the voltage signal will decrease and the PCM will interpret the lower voltage as a warm engine.