Sensor, Exhaust Temperature: Operation

The Exhaust Temperature sensor is used by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to monitor the engine exhaust temperatures in the Gas Particulate Filter (GPF) system. The sensor is a thermistor and changes resistance based on the temperature being measured. The PCM provides a 5-Volt reference voltage to the sensor. The PCM monitors the voltage on the signal pin and converts this to a temperature value.

When the exhaust gas temperature is cold, the sensor resistance is high, the PCM will sense the resistance and sense the exhaust temperature as cold. When the exhaust gas temperature is high, the sensor resistance is low, the PCM will sense the resistance and sense the exhaust temperature as high.