Got a Trouble Code. Now what?
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Garden Grove CA, '95 Coupe, Black...
Got a Trouble Code. Now what?
I have had this code thrown a couple of times now.
DTC #15: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Voltage High.
Rough idle and the temp went to 230 degrees for no apparent reason. Is this just a code telling me that it got hot?
'95 Coupe with 160k miles. Have had some issues with this, but this code is the only one thrown more than once. Have only had the car 6 weeks or so....
What is this and what does it tell me?
DTC #15: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Voltage High.
Rough idle and the temp went to 230 degrees for no apparent reason. Is this just a code telling me that it got hot?
'95 Coupe with 160k miles. Have had some issues with this, but this code is the only one thrown more than once. Have only had the car 6 weeks or so....
What is this and what does it tell me?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
I don't have any refrence in front of me, but I believe this is the coolant sensor in the waterpump (very improtant sensor for overall drivibility). It sends resistance signals to the PCM according to engine temp (low temp..high resistance, high temp..low resistance) . The PCM also uses this sensor for the digital dash coolant temp readout.
Do you own a FSM (factory service manual)? It will tell you how to diagnose the code. I would start with checking the connection/wiring first. You can also ohm this sensor for resistance to see if it matches the proper engine temp outlined in the FSM, but for what it's worth, I would just replace it as it doesn't cost that much. The FSM is the way to go.
Do you own a FSM (factory service manual)? It will tell you how to diagnose the code. I would start with checking the connection/wiring first. You can also ohm this sensor for resistance to see if it matches the proper engine temp outlined in the FSM, but for what it's worth, I would just replace it as it doesn't cost that much. The FSM is the way to go.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,211
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From: Dumas Arkansas
The book says the voltage will be high when the engine is cold and low when the engine is hot.
Remove the ECT Sensor and check it out for damage. Clean the contacts and see if that helps. I've haven't had this problem yet but when's the last time you've had the car flushed? What's the coolant level look link now? I don't know if mixing antifreezes would create this code but don't know if it wouldn't either.
Remove the ECT Sensor and check it out for damage. Clean the contacts and see if that helps. I've haven't had this problem yet but when's the last time you've had the car flushed? What's the coolant level look link now? I don't know if mixing antifreezes would create this code but don't know if it wouldn't either.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 84
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From: Garden Grove CA, '95 Coupe, Black...
What does the ECT sensor actually do besides read the temp? Does it control fuel mixture based on the temp? Can any bad sensor create an overheating condition?
Both the analog and digital guage read the same, so I suspect that the coolant was getting up around the 230 degrees the digital stated but I did not detect the fan come on.
This high temp happened the last time it threw this code as well. Would a high temp condition make it throw the code?
So I can change out the sensor, but is the sensor the issue? Like I stated I have only had the car six weeks or so, and don't know the histiry.
If you check out my previous posts you will see that I have had a "cutting out" problem, once with this over heating as well. Then it reverts back to running perfectly. This time there was no cutting out, just a little rough idle and the temp started rising steadily. The change in idle is what made me look at the temp guage. I noticed it right away at a stop light.
I know there are some really smart folks here who have an explanation,,,right???please???
Both the analog and digital guage read the same, so I suspect that the coolant was getting up around the 230 degrees the digital stated but I did not detect the fan come on.
This high temp happened the last time it threw this code as well. Would a high temp condition make it throw the code?
So I can change out the sensor, but is the sensor the issue? Like I stated I have only had the car six weeks or so, and don't know the histiry.
If you check out my previous posts you will see that I have had a "cutting out" problem, once with this over heating as well. Then it reverts back to running perfectly. This time there was no cutting out, just a little rough idle and the temp started rising steadily. The change in idle is what made me look at the temp guage. I noticed it right away at a stop light.
I know there are some really smart folks here who have an explanation,,,right???please???
