Circuit/System Description
Note. The radiator coolant temperature sensor is referred to as B34B Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 in schematics and other areas.
The radiator coolant temperature (RCT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant in the radiator. This diagnostic checks for an open, short to ground or an intermittent circuit condition between the engine control module (ECM) and RCT sensor.
The following table illustrates the difference between temperature, resistance, and voltage
| RCT | RCT Resistance | RCT Signal Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| Cold | High | High |
| Warm | Low | Low |
The engine cooling fan system is composed of one cooling fan, 2 relays, the engine control module (ECM), and the associated wiring. The cooling fan assembly includes 1 resistor mounted in the cooling fan shroud. The cooling fan resistor may be a stand alone component, or a part of the cooling fan motor and harness assembly. This combination of components enables the ECM to operate the cooling fan at 2 speeds using two fan control circuits. The ECM activates the applicable relay by grounding the control circuit with a solid state device called a driver. Each driver is equipped with a feedback circuit that is pulled-up to a voltage. The ECM can determine if the control circuit is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to a voltage by monitoring the feedback voltage. The ECM will operate the cooling fan at either Low or High speed based on the cooling requirements.
The engine control module (ECM) controls the pulse width modulated (PWM) thermostat. The thermostat controls coolant flow and regulates the engine operating temperature. Ignition voltage is supplied directly to the thermostat through a fuse. The ECM controls the thermostat by grounding the control circuit with a solid state device called a driver. The driver is equipped with a feedback circuit that is pulled-up to a voltage. The ECM can determine if the control circuit is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to a voltage by monitoring the feedback voltage.
The engine control module (ECM) monitors temperature difference between the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor and the radiator coolant temperature (RCT) sensor during a cold start-up. The purpose of this diagnostic is to analyze the engine coolant thermostat for being stuck open.
The engine cooling fan system consists of a cooling fan assembly containing one electric cooling fan. The engine control module (ECM) uses two fan control circuits and a series of two relays to command the fans ON in either high speed or low speed, depending on cooling requirements. The ECM activates the applicable relay by grounding the control circuit with a solid state device called a driver. Each driver is equipped with a feedback circuit that is pulled-up to a voltage. The ECM can determine if the control circuit is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to a voltage by monitoring the feedback voltage. In low speed, the fan is turned ON at a reduced speed. High speed has the fan turned ON at full speed.
The engine cooling fan system is composed of one cooling fan, 2 relays, the engine control module (ECM), and the associated wiring. The cooling fan assembly includes 1 resistor mounted in the cooling fan shroud. The cooling fan resistor may be a stand alone component, or a part of the cooling fan motor and harness assembly. This combination of components enables the ECM to operate the cooling fan at 2 speeds using two fan control circuits. The ECM activates the applicable relay by grounding the control circuit with a solid state device called a driver. Each driver is equipped with a feedback circuit that is pulled-up to a voltage. The ECM can determine if the control circuit is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to a voltage by monitoring the feedback voltage. The ECM will operate the cooling fan at either Low or High speed based on the cooling requirements.
Cooling Fan Description and Operation
System Overview
The engine cooling fan system is composed of one cooling fan, 2 relays, the engine control module (ECM), and the associated wiring. The cooling fan assembly includes 1 resistor mounted in the cooling fan shroud. The cooling fan resistor may be a stand alone component, or a part of the cooling fan motor and harness assembly. This combination of components enables the ECM to operate the cooling fan at 2 speeds using two fan control circuits. The ECM will operate the cooling fan at either Low or High speed based on the cooling requirements.
Low Speed Operation
The ECM applies ground at the FAN 1 control circuit for the coil side of the low speed cooling fan relay. The energized low speed relay switch closes to supply B+ through the cooling fan resistor, to the engine cooling fan motor. The result is cooling fan operation at a reduced speed.
High Speed Operation
The ECM applies ground at the FAN 2 control circuit for the coil side of the cooling fan high speed relay. The energized high speed relay switch closes to supply B+ directly to the engine cooling fan motor, by-passing the cooling fan resistor. The result is cooling fan operation at full speed.
The cooling system maintains the engine operating temperature at the efficient level under any speed and operating condition. When the engine is cold, the cooling system cools the engine slowly or not at all. The slow cooling of the engine allows the engine to warm up quickly. The cooling system includes a radiator and recovery subsystem, cooling fans, a thermostat and housing, an oil cooler, a water pump and a water pump drive belt. The accessory belt drives the water pump. All components must function properly in order for the cooling system to operate. Before the coolant reaches operating temperature of the thermostat, the coolant circulates through water jackets in the engine block, the cylinder head, the heater core and the oil cooler. The coolant pump draws the coolant from the bypass pipe which the pipe receives returning floe form the engine and the heater core. When the coolant reaches the operating temperature of the thermostat, the thermostat opens. The coolant then goes to the radiator where it cools. This system directs some coolant through the hoses or pipes to the heater core and oil cooler. This provides for heating, defrosting and engine oil cooling. The surge tank is connected to the radiator to recover the coolant displaced by expansion from the high temperatures. The surge tank maintains the correct coolant level. The cooling system for this vehicle has no radiator cap or filler neck. The coolant is added to the cooling system through the surge tank.
Thermostat Heater Control System Description
A conventional thermostat valve is moved only by the coolant temperature. The temperature range at which the thermostat begins to open is fixed and cannot be adjusted. An electric thermostat valve is moved by the coolant temperature and the built-in heater that is controlled electrically by the ECM. The ECM controls the heater by providing a pulse width modulated (PWM) ground to the thermostat heater control circuit. In this system, a desired ECT can be achieved causing the vehicle better fuel consumption and reduced emissions in city driving or slow cruising.