Temperature coolant sensor

Not low input sensor...P0117 KIA - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low Input

Possible causes
Low engine coolant level
Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
Faulty engine coolant thermostat
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor harness is open or shorted
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor circuit poor electrical connection

Just replace coolant temperature sending unit....

What diognostics say its a sensor ?????? No diagnostic's ever tell's you it's a sensor . You as a technician would need to prove that by testing electrical circuits , viewing coolant temp sensor . Hooking scan tool and trying to command the gauge with by directional control . The temp gauge not showing any temp. ? No movement ? Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Inaccurate or InoperativeStep Action
Yes
No
Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics
1
Did you perform the Instrument Cluster Diagnostic System Check?
Go to Step 2
Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster
2
Install a scan tool.
Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
With the scan tool, perform the Lamp and Gauge Check in the IPC Special Functions list.
Does the engine coolant temperature gage move up and down when commanded?
Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems
Go to Step 3
3
Replace the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .
Did you complete the replacement?
Go to Step 4
--
4
Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?
System OK
Go to Step 2
Would hate for you to replace the coolant temp sensor an find out that's not the problem ! Does the vehicle start an run good ,trans mission shift good ? If so it's not the coolant temp sensor .
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
The ECM sends coolant temperature as determined by the coolant temperature sensor to the BCM via CAN serial data. The IPC displays the engine coolant temperature with the gage when the BCM sends a class 2 message to the IPC indicating coolant temperature percentage. The engine coolant temperature gage defaults to cold (0°) or below if:
• The ECM detects a malfunction in the engine coolant temperature sensor circuit.
• The IPC detects a loss of class 2 communications with the BCM.
• The BCM detects a loss of CAN communications with the ECM.

Check engine light on ? The coolant temp sensor is a input to the PCM - engine computer ! All wires come from an go to the PCM . What type of problem are you having ? Maybe able to save you some aggravation an time chasing gremlins . Coolant gauge not working ?
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays the engine coolant temperature as determined by the powertrain control module (PCM) or the engine control module (ECM). The IPC receives a serial data message from the PCM/ECM indicating the engine coolant temperature. The engine coolant temperature gage defaults to 100°F (38°C) if there is a malfunction in the engine coolant temperature sensor or the IPC detects a loss of serial data communication with the PCM/ECM.

But if you insist ,you can find free wiring diagram's here http://www.bbbind.com/free_tsb.html Enter vehicle info. year , make , model an engine ! Under system click on engine ,then under subsystem click on fuel controls . Click the search button then the blue link. The second an third diagrams both show coolant temp sensors . Both go to the PCM .

The alternator needs to be removed to easily access and locate coolant temperature sensor.For more details and ECT diagram on 2001 dodge ram click the link below and follow the details to replace the coolant sensor:-----

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/10/dodge-coolant-temperature-sensor.html
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These details will help.
Thanks.

2003 Dodge Neon (non-Turbo)

The coolant sensor threads into the rear of the cylinder head, next to the camshaft position sensor. New sensors have sealant applied to the threads.

The ECT Sensor is a Negative Thermal Coefficient (NTC), dual range Sensor. The resistance of the ECT Sensor changes as coolant temperature changes. This results in different input voltages to the PCM. The PCM also uses the ECT Sensor input to operate the low and high-speed radiator cooling fans.



The combination coolant temperature sensor has two elements. One element supplies coolant temperature signal to the PCM. The other element supplies coolant temperature signal to the instrument panel gauge cluster. The PCM determines engine coolant temperature from the coolant temperature sensor.

As coolant temperature varies the coolant temperature sensors resistance changes resulting in a different input voltage to the PCM and the instrument panel gauge cluster. When the engine is cold, the PCM will provide slightly richer air-fuel mixtures and higher idle speeds until normal operating temperatures are reached.

The PCM has a dual temperature range program for better sensor accuracy at cold temperatures. At key-ON the PCM sends a regulated 5-volt signal through a 10,000-ohm resistor to the sensor. When the sensed voltage reaches approximately 1.25 volts the PCM turns on the transistor. The transistor connects a 1,000-ohm resistor in parallel with the 10,000-ohm resistor. With this drop in resistance the PCM recognizes an increase in voltage on the input circuit.

The coolant temperature sensor (ECT) is located on the coolant tube near the air filter housing, I have included a few diagrams to assist in helping you to locate this sensor. These diagrams are for the 3.0L engine.






Here is the location if this is the 2.3L engine

The P0117 code would not effect the acceleration of the vehicle. Probably just need a good tune up unless there are other codes showing in the system.

P0117 - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low Input. The engine coolant temperature sensor is used to detect the engine coolant temperature. The sensor modifies a voltage signal from the ECM. The modified signal returns to the ECM as the engine coolant temperature input. The sensor uses a thermistor which is sensitive to the change in temperature. The electrical resistance of the thermistor decreases as temperature increases.

Causes:
- Harness or connectors (The sensor circuit is open or shorted.)
- Engine coolant temperature sensor may be faulty
- Low engine coolant level.

Solutions:
- Replaced coolant temperature sensor
- Repair connector or harness

This link has a diagram showing the location of the relay: http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl581g.htm

The Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) radiator cooling fan relay is located behind the front bumper fascia below the right head lamp.

sound like coolant temperature sensor is open or not working.scan it to see when engine get operating temperature when coolant temperature get 190 degrees the coolant temp sensor should show 190 degrees if it shows 80 degrees or lower it not working replace it.the coolant sensor control coolant fan.when it gets hot it resistance changes or lower.the pcm grounds it .then cooling fans will run.

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is mounted in the intake manifold and sends engine temperature information to the ECM. The ECM supplies 5 volts to the 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 ECM monitors a high signal voltage which it interprets as a cold engine. As the sensor warms (internal resistance low), the ECM monitors a low signal voltage which it interprets as warm engine.
Fig. 1: View of the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor Fig. 2: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor locationTESTING
See Figures 3 and 4

1. Remove the ECT sensor from the vehicle.
2. Immerse the tip of the sensor in container of water.
3. Connect a digital ohmmeter to the two terminals of the sensor.
4. Using a calibrated thermometer, compare the resistance of the sensor to the temperature of the water. Refer to the engine coolant sensor temperature vs. resistance illustration.
5. Repeat the test at two other temperature points, heating or cooling the water as necessary.
6. If the sensor does not meet specification, it must be replaced.

Fig. 3: Intake Air Temperature (IAT) and Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor wiring diagram Fig. 4: ECT sensor temperature vs. resistance values