GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P011B: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) - Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Correlation

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

IAT Sensor Signal

P0110, P0112

P0110, P0113

P0110, P0113

P0111, P011B

IAT Sensor Low Reference

--

P0110, P0113

--

P0111, P011B

ECT Sensor Signal

P0115, P0117

P0115, P0118

P0115, P0118

P0116, P011B, P0125

ECT Sensor Low Reference

--

P0115, P0118

--

P0116, P011B, P0125

Typical Scan Tool Data

ECT Sensor

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine operating in Closed Loop.

Parameter Normal Range: -39 to +140°C (-39 to +284°F) Varies with coolant temperature.

ECT Sensor Signal

140°C (284°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

Low Reference

--

-40°C (-40°F)

-40°C (-40°F)


IAT Sensor

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine operating in Closed Loop.

Parameter Normal Range: -40 to +140°C (-40 to +284°F) Varies with coolant temperature.

IAT Sensor Signal

140°C (284°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

Low Reference

--

-40°C (-40°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

Circuit Description

The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies 5 volts to the IAT signal circuit and supplies a ground to the low reference circuit. The PCM monitors the mutual performance of the IAT and the engine coolant temperature (ECT) signals. The PCM monitors the warm up and cool down behavior of the sensors, after a vehicle driven at operating temperature is shut down. If the PCM detects that the IAT is not with in a predetermined range of ECT after a long soak, or the IAT and ECT are not within a range of each other, as compared to a previous cold start, this DTC sets.

The following table illustrates the difference between temperature, resistance, and voltage:

Temperature

ECT Resistance

ECT Signal Voltage

Cold

High

High

Warm

Low

Low

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The DTC P2610 is not set.
    • The ignition has been off continuously for greater than 7 hours.
    • The battery voltage is greater than 10.5 volts.
    • The engine coolant temperature is warmer than -10°C (+14°F) at engine start up.
    • The IAT sensor is warmer than -10°C (+14°F) after engine start.
    • The engine has been running for greater than 15 seconds.
    • DTC P011B runs once per ignition cycle when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The difference between the ECT sensor and the IAT sensor is greater than 20°C (36°F) after engine start up.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P011B is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P011B is a Type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Test the IAT sensor at various temperature levels in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed sensor. A skewed sensor can result in a DTC or a driveability condition. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance.
    • If the vehicle has sat overnight, the IAT sensor and the ECT sensor values should display within 3°C (5°F).
    • High resistance in the circuit of the ECT sensor could set a DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Engine idling for 1 minute, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. DTCs P0110, P0112 and P0113 should not set.
  2. If any of the DTCs are set, refer to DTC P0110, P0112, or P0113.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Leave the ignition OFF for greater than 7 hours.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that the IAT sensor parameter and the ECT sensor parameter are within 10°C (18°F) of the ambient air temperature.
  3. If greater than the specified value, test the signal circuit of the appropriate sensor for high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test the operation of appropriate temperature sensor.
  4. If all circuits and the sensor test normal, replace the PCM.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the temperature sensor.
  2. Important: A thermometer can be used to test the sensor off the vehicle.

  3. Test the IAT sensor by varying the sensor temperature while monitoring the sensor resistance. Compare the readings with the Temperature Versus Resistance table and verify that the resistance is within 5 percent of the specification.
  4. If not within the specified range, replace the temperature sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement
    •  Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for control module replacement, setup, and programming