Technical Information
© Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., Lippstadt 24. August 2000 Coolant temperature sensor 1-2
Coolant temperature sensor
General
The coolant temperature sensor provides information for
air/fuel mixture preparation by recording the operating
temperature of the engine. The ECU adapts the injection
time and the ignition angle to the operating conditions
dependent on the sensor information. The Cool temperature
sensor is a temperature sensor with negative temperature
coefficient that means that the internal resistance increases
as temperature reduces.
Function
The resistance of the temperature sensor is dependent on
the coolant temperature change. The resistance reduces as
increases temperature and the voltage decreases at the
sensor. The ECU evalvates these voltage results since they
are in direct relation to the coolant temperature. Low
temperatures produce high and high temperatures produce ECU
low voltage results at the sensor.
Effects of failure
A faulty coolant temperature sensor can show itself through Evaluation
an error fault code or a substitute valve being used.
Causes of failure:
- high idle speed
- higher fuel consumption
- starting difficulties
Oxygen sensor emission control problems through
increased CO results during emission testing.
The following entries can be stored in the fault memory of the
ECU:
- Ground short-circuit in the wiring or short/open-circuit in the
sensor
- Erratic signal changes (signal jump)
- Engine doesn't reach the minimum operating temperature
The last error code can appear with a faulty coolant
thermostat.
Technical Information
2
© Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., Lippstadt 24. August 2000 Coolant temperature sensor 2-2
Diagnostics
- read out the fault memory
- check the electrical connection of the sensor
line,
plug and sensor for right connection, break and
corrosion
The check is carried out with a multi meter.
step 1:
The internal resistance of the sensor is determined. The
resistance is temperature-dependent, with cold engine high- Resistance at warm engine
impedance and in a warm condition low-impedance.
Depending on manufacturer:
25°C
80°C
Take note of manufacturers specification.
step 2:
Check the wiring to the ECU by checking every single line
to the ECU plug, feed and ground.
Connect the Ohmmeter between the temperature sensor Resistance of the sensor plug to ECU
plug and the disconnected ECU plug (circuit diagram
needed for pin definition). Reading: < 1 Ohm
Check respective pins at the sensor plug with disconnected
ECU plug against ground. Reading: > 30 M Ohm
Check the supply voltage with the voltmeter at the removed
sensor plug. This happens at ECU connected and ignition
switched on.
Reading : approx. 5 V
If the voltage value isn't reached, the supply voltage of the
ECU has to be checked, including ground after wiring Tension supply at the sensor plug
diagram.
