'97 Check Engine Coolant Temp
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
'97 Check Engine Coolant Temp
I just bought this pickup in October, this is the 2nd time I've had the check engine light come on and both times I took it to O'Reilly's and it was the coolant temp. I've replaced both the single wire and 2 wire sensors, reset the battery and it's still on. My next thought is flushing the radiator and throwing in a new thermostat. Thoughts?
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 9,175
Likes: 520
post the actual code number along with your engine size.
if your scan tool can view live data...check the ect and compare with another temp sensors on the vehicle. If it does not have any other temp sensors...is it close to ambient temp. post your results.
knowing the code I can search service information at to why the code set. most temp sensor codes set for irrational temp readings....the problem is most likely a sensor, wiring/high resistance or pcm.
if your scan tool can view live data...check the ect and compare with another temp sensors on the vehicle. If it does not have any other temp sensors...is it close to ambient temp. post your results.
knowing the code I can search service information at to why the code set. most temp sensor codes set for irrational temp readings....the problem is most likely a sensor, wiring/high resistance or pcm.
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I'm not sure the exact code, I was buying supplies while the O'Reilly's guy did a quick scan. I have a 5.7 V8. I picked up anti-freeze because while I changed the two sensors the coolant was **** yellow, so I'm assuming the guy I bought it from threw in some universal or watered it down.
CF Beginner
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
So I looked up the codes on this website, and this is what I found:
p0118 - https://www.engine-codes.com/p0118_chevrolet.html
p0141 - https://www.engine-codes.com/p0141_gmc.html
p0161 - https://www.engine-codes.com/p0161_chevrolet.html
Now I'm assuming the issue isn't your fluid itself as you said you changed it. The p0141 mentions the PCM but I'm assuming if your PCM went, you would be having a lot more issues than just those 3 codes. Both p1061 and p0141 mention the oxygen sensors and various issues they could have... I'm not sure what sensors you replaced, but did you check these and their circuits? As far as p0118... well, it could be the thermostat apparently, but most of the reasons point to the ECT which you said you changed I believe? I'm with tech2, I would check the connection.
Not sure how much or how little this helps, I just used that website a few times to look up some codes.
(for the record, I'm the most basic type of novice - just look at my posts lol. Take what I say with a grain of salt - I'm just trying to help and learn as I go)
p0118 - https://www.engine-codes.com/p0118_chevrolet.html
p0141 - https://www.engine-codes.com/p0141_gmc.html
p0161 - https://www.engine-codes.com/p0161_chevrolet.html
Now I'm assuming the issue isn't your fluid itself as you said you changed it. The p0141 mentions the PCM but I'm assuming if your PCM went, you would be having a lot more issues than just those 3 codes. Both p1061 and p0141 mention the oxygen sensors and various issues they could have... I'm not sure what sensors you replaced, but did you check these and their circuits? As far as p0118... well, it could be the thermostat apparently, but most of the reasons point to the ECT which you said you changed I believe? I'm with tech2, I would check the connection.
Not sure how much or how little this helps, I just used that website a few times to look up some codes.
(for the record, I'm the most basic type of novice - just look at my posts lol. Take what I say with a grain of salt - I'm just trying to help and learn as I go)