Circuit Description

An engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor monitors the temperature of the coolant. This input is used by the engine control module (ECM) for engine control and as an enabling criteria for other diagnostics. This input also determines if the ECT is insufficient for thermostat regulating of the coolant.

This engine coolant thermostat monitoring diagnostic is designed to detect a stuck open thermostat. When the engine is started the ECM uses a timer and a modeled ECT table that is based on engine coolant temperature at start-up, intake air temperature (IAT), engine speed (RPM) and engine load to determine when the calibrated threshold of 90°C (194°F) has been met. When this threshold is met, the modeled ECT is compared to the actual measured ECT.

If the ECM detects that the modeled ECT has met the threshold of 90°C (194°F) and the measured ECT has not met the minimum calibrated thermostat regulating temperature of 72°C (161°F) for more than 10 seconds, DTC P0128 sets.