Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor, Checking

2003 Volkswagen Passat Sedan 4Motion (3B3) W8-4.0L (BDP)SECTION Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor, Checking


Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, checking


NOTE: Use only gold-plated terminals when servicing terminals in harness connector of sensor.


Recommended special tools and equipment
- VAG1526 multimeter or VAG1715 multimeter
- VAG1594 connector test kit
- Wiring diagram

Test requirements







- The respective fuses of Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220- must be OK.







- Fuses -1, 2, 3, 4 and 7- in protective housing (plenum chamber, left) must be OK.
- Parking brake must be engaged or else daylight driving lights will be switched on.
- For vehicles with automatic transmission, selector lever must be in position -P-or -N-.
- Engine must be cold.

Function test
- Connect diagnostic tester. Diagnostic Tester, Connecting
- Switch ignition on.
- Under address word 33, select "Diagnostic mode 1: Check measured values."
- Select the measuring value "PID 05: Coolant temperature".
- Check specified value of coolant temperature:







If specified value is not obtained:
- Continue test according to the following table:

Indicated 1) Cause
approx. -40 degrees C Open circuit or short circuit to B+
approx. 140 degrees C Short circuit to Ground (GND)
1) If a temperature is indicated which differs greatly from ambient temperature of sensor, check sensor wires for contact resistance.

If specified value is obtained:
- Start engine and let run at idle. The temperature must climb uniformly


NOTE:
- The temperature increases in increments of 1.0 degrees C.
- If the engine shows problems in certain temperature ranges and the temperature does not climb uniformly, the temperature signal is intermittent and the sensor must be replaced.


- Switch ignition off.

Continuation of test if indication is approx. -40 degrees C:







- Disconnect 2-pin connector from Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor -G62- (arrow).







- Bridge terminals 1 + 2 of connector using the respective adapter cables and observe the indication on display.

If indication jumps to approx. 140 degrees C:
- End diagnostic and switch ignition off.
- Remove intake air hose between Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and throttle valve control module, item 1 .
- Replace Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor -G62-.


WARNING:
- Cooling system is under pressure.
- Danger of scalding when opening!



- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data.
- Generate readiness code. Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes

If indication remains at approx. -40 degrees C:
- End diagnostic and switch ignition off.
- Check wires according to wiring diagram.

Continuation of test if indication is approx. 140 degrees C:







- Disconnect 2-pin connector from Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor -G62- (arrow).

If indication jumps to approx. -40 degrees C:
- End diagnostic and switch ignition off.
- Remove intake air hose between Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and throttle valve control module, item 1 .
- Replace Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor -G62-.


WARNING:
- Cooling system is under pressure.
- Danger of scalding when opening!



- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data.
- Generate readiness code. Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes

If indication remains at approx. 140 degrees C:
- End diagnostic and switch ignition off.
- Check wires according to wiring diagram.

Checking wiring
- Connect test box to control module wiring harness, connect test box for wiring test. Test Box, Connecting For Wiring Test







- Check wires between test box and 2-pin connector for open circuit according to wiring diagram.
Terminal 1 + socket 93
Terminal 2 + socket 108
Wire resistance: max. 1.5 Ohms
- Also check wires for short circuit to each other, to vehicle Ground (GND) and to B+.
Specified value: Infinity Ohms
- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data.
- Generate readiness code. Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes


If no malfunctions are found in wires:







- Measure resistance at Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor -G62-.







- Range A displays resistance values for the temperature range of 0 to 50 degrees C, range B displays resistance values for the temperature range of 50 to 100 degrees C.

Read-out examples:
- 30 degrees C is in range A and corresponds to a resistance of 1.5 to 2.0 k Ohms
- 80 degrees C is in range B and corresponds to a resistance of 275 to 375 Ohms

If specified value is not obtained:
- Remove intake air hose between Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and throttle valve control module, item 1 .
- Replace Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor -G62-.


WARNING:
- Cooling system is under pressure.
- Danger of scalding when opening!



- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data.
- Generate readiness code. Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes

If no malfunctions are detected in the wires and the resistance values are OK:
- Replace Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220-.
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.