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P0119 Severity
Identifying an OBD code is just the start of a complete diagnostic routine. Most trouble codes are caused by a sensor reporting a value that is out of range. Just replacing a sensor may not fix underlying issues. Be sure to understand the code, the part or system in your car that the code refers to, and the risks of delaying professional repair.
Proper diagnosis will save you time and money on unnecessary repairs.
Urgent codes indicate immediate action is necessary. These are urgent and significant malfunctions that can cause severe damage to the vehicle or harm the driver and passengers.
The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor measures the temperature of the coolant going through the engine. The engine control module (PCM) uses this information to determine how much fuel to use to keep the engine running properly. It also uses this information to protect the engine from overheating. When the PCM detects a problem with this sensor or the circuit for the sensor, it will set code P0119.
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OBD-II Code P0119 is defined as a Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Intermittent
What does Mean?
The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor measures the rise and fall of the Engine CoolantTemperature. This provides critical data needed for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to control the Air Fuel Ratio, the Ignition Spark Timing, the cooling fans, and many components of the Emissions Control Systems. The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor converts the coolant temperature into a voltage that is high when the engine is cold and low as the engine warms up.
Code P0119 indicates an intermittent voltage input from the Coolant Temperature Circuit to the PCM.
When diagnosing a P0119 code, it is important to record the freeze frame information and then to duplicate the code setting conditions with a test drive while paying close attention to engine load, throttle position, RPM, and road speed on a data streaming scan tool. As you drive the vehicle, compare these values to the Coolant Temperature Sensor PID or parameter ID. The Coolant Temperature Sensor voltage values should rise and fall with changes in engine temperature. Compare the Engine Coolant Temperature or ECT readings to the Intake Air Temperature Sensor readings, as they should move in tandem with each other. However, the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor will have a much higher temperature range.
Check the ECT sensor connector with the key on and the engine off. There needs to be a steady 5 volt reference voltage and a very good ground. Find and use the proper engine performance wiring diagram to discern the proper color and position of these wires in the connector.
It never hurts to do a key on-engine off voltage output test of the ECT sensor. Typically, I CAREFULLY use a heat gun to raise the temperature of the area around the sensor and study the change in values of the Coolant Temperature Sensor circuit. It's important to use the scan tool data stream as this will verify the ECT harness and connections.