Circuit Description
The controls module monitors the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor and engine run time in order to determine how long it takes the ECT to reach the coolant temperature required for Closed Loop operation. DTC P0125 sets if the control module determines that the ECT does not reach a minimum coolant temperature required for Closed Loop operation in a specified amount of time.
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The engine is running |
| • | The IAT is more than -7°C (20°F) |
| • | The ECT is more than -9°C (16°F) |
| • | The start-up ECT is 40°C (104°F) or less |
Closed Loop Test
The engine temperature at start-up is between -7° and 10°C (20°F to 50°F)
| • | The accumulated air flow since engine start is more than 5500 grams |
| • | The accumulated idle time is less than 225 seconds |
The engine temperature at start-up is 10°C (50°F) or more
| • | The accumulated air flow since engine start is more than 5000 grams |
| • | The accumulated idle time is less than 180 seconds |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The closed loop coolant temperature is not reached within a predetermined time after start-up. The maximum allowable time depends on the start-up coolant temperature and the amount of air flow into the engine.
ECT at start-up is between -7°and 10°C (20°F to 50°F)
The stabilized ECT is less than 45°C (113°F) after 300 seconds.
ECT at start-up is greater than 10°C (50°F)
The stabilized ECT is less than 45°C (113°F) after 240 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) if a failure is detected during 2 consecutive key cycles. |
| • | The control module sets the DTC and records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic failed. The failure information is stored in the scan tool Freeze Frame/Failure Records. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL or DTC
| • | The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips when the test has run and passed. |
| • | A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. A warm-up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant reaches a temperature that is more than 70°C (158°F) during the same ignition cycle. |
| • | Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs. |
Diagnostic Aids
When a DTC P0125 sets, an out of range ECT sensor or an engine thermostat that does not operate correctly is indicated.
Check for a poor connection or a damaged harness.
Inspect the VCM harness connector for the following condition:
An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:
| • | A poor connection |
| • | Rubbed through wire insulation |
| • | A broken wire inside the insulation |
Thoroughly check any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.
If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.
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This test checks the engine warm-up rate. In the Conditions for Setting the DTC text, the technician should be able to reference the allowable engine run time relative to the cold start up temperature of the vehicle.
-
This test checks the coolant sensor reading on the scan tool and the actual coolant temperature.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool Capture Info to save the Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. The control module's data is deleted once the Clear Info function is used. Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
2 | Check the cooling system coolant level. Is the coolant level low? | -- | Go to Loss of Coolant in Engine Cooling. | |
Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the Conditions for Setting the DTC text. Does the ECT value rise steadily to and above the specified value within the time and temperature specified in the Conditions for Running and Setting? | 20°C (68°F) | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||
|
Caution: To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.
Is the actual coolant temperature near the scan tool ECT temperature? | -- | Go to Thermostat Diagnosis in Engine Cooling. | ||
5 | Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
6 |
Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic Passed? | -- | ||
7 | Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC table | System OK |
