Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

ECT

RANGE -40°C-151°C (-40°F-304°F):
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor sends engine temperature information to the PCM. The PCM supplies 5 volts to the engine coolant temperature 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 voltage which it interprets 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.