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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1997CHEVY EXPRESS G3500, VAN CARGO, 6.5 FREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 33 (ENGINE CONTROLS - TESTS W/CODES - 3.8L)TROUBLE CODE CHARTSCODE P0117, COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR TEMPERATURE LOWDIAGNOSTIC AIDS
1997 Chevrolet Chevy Express G3500, Van Cargo, 6.5 F

Diagnostic Aids

1997 Chevrolet Chevy Express G3500, Van Cargo, 6.5 FSECTION Diagnostic Aids
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport, 1995 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 1995 Chevrolet Lumina APV. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tech 1 displays engine temperature in degrees celsius (°C) and fahrenheit (°F). After engine is started, temperature should rise steadily to 194°F (90°C), then stabilize when thermostat opens. An intermittent may be caused by a poor connection, rubbed through wire insulation or a wire broken inside insulation. Check for:

  • Poor Connection Or Damaged Harness

    Inspect control module harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, poor terminal to wire connection, and damaged harness.

  • Intermittent Test

    Using Tech 1, monitor engine coolant temperature while moving related connectors and wiring harness. If failure is induced, display will change. This may assist in isolating location of malfunction.

  • Shifted Sensor

    See TEMPERATURE-TO-RESISTANCE VALUES table to test ECT sensor at various temperature levels to evaluate the possibility of a shifted (mis-scaled) sensor which may result in driveability complaints.
  • A faulty connection, or an open in sensor circuits will cause Code P0117 to set.
TEMPERATURE-TO-RESISTANCE VALUES (1)

Temperature °F (°C) Ohms
212 (100) 177
194 (90) 241
158 (70) 467
104 (40) 1459
68 (20) 3520
23 (-5) 12,300
14 (-10) 16,180
0 (-18) 25,000
-4 (-20) 28,680
-22 (-30) 52,700
-40 (-40) 100,700
(1) Measure resistance across sensor terminals.
Fig 1: Code P0117 Schematic (3.8L FWD Van) Coolant Temperature Sensor Temperature Low
G94E66070
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.