DTC 16 & 17

[Dazza VU ute]

Hi all, i have a DTC list of 16 ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT) (SIGNAL VOLTAGE UNSTABLE) & 17 PCM ERROR - ECT COOLANT CIRCUIT. Can anyone advise if they have experienced these DTC's & what the problem was. Would either be faulty temp sensor or faulty PCM/ECU. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Grimes]

I haven’t, but it’s more likely to be the sensor than the PCM. Cheaper to rule out too. The general rule with codes is to fix the first one that came up, then clear and recheck. Often the following codes are symptoms of preceding code faults.

 

[Dazza VU ute]

I haven’t, but it’s more likely to be the sensor than the PCM. Cheaper to rule out too. The general rule with codes is to fix the first one that came up, then clear and recheck. Often the following codes are symptoms of preceding code faults.

Thanks for your reply & input. I was already thinking of replacing the sensor as like you have said this is the cheaper option & more likely to be the problem. It has never been replaced & has probably seen better days. What you say about preceding & following codes makes sense also. Thanks again.

 

[BlackVXGTS]

If you are replacing the coolant temperature sensor you may find the attachment from the Holden VT/VX Service manual of benefit:

 

[Dazza VU ute]

If you are replacing the coolant temperature sensor you may find the attachment from the Holden VT/VX Service manual of benefit:

Cheers mate, appreciate the info. I was going to change the sensor without draining the coolant. I was going to change on a cold engine, remove sensor & put my thumb over the hole to stop coolant leaking & the quickly install new sensor & then purge any air via the thermostat housing. I take it that the reason you need to drain the coolant as to allow you to apply the 242 threadlocker to the sensor thread otherwise the coolant will just wash it away when you install it on a full coolant system. Thanks again.

 

[Grimes]

You can drop the coolant level by siphoning out via the radiator cap into an empty container (on mine the hose can reach the bottom of the radiator the way the core is designed). A small diameter hose does the trick.

 

[BlackVXGTS]

Dazza, that's the method I use to replace coolant sensors. No need to drain the coolant completely.

 

[Dazza VU ute]

Dazza, that's the method I use to replace coolant sensors. No need to drain the coolant completely.

Yeah, i liked Grimes idea of not draining coolant completely as that seemed such a waste & made the job that much harder. Made sense to drain just below thermostat level, install new sensor , re-fill & purge. (Thanks Grimes!) Thanks to you also BlackVXGTS as i appreciate your input also. Both your advice is going to make this job so much easier. Thanks again guys. Dazza is going to have to tell Shazza about this !!!! Just hope Bobo from the pizza shop isn't pissed off if can't do pizza deliveries tonight until i get the Commy sorted. LOL

 

[Grimes]

Cheers. There’s a fair percentage of members here with a shed full if shortcuts and ‘special tools’. The longer you own a commodore, the slicker you get with the turn arounds!