Circuit/System Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 GMC Sierra, 2007 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2007 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2007 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the signal circuit and a ground for the low reference circuit. The ECM uses this rationality diagnostic to determine if the input from the ECT sensor 1 or ECT sensor 2 is skewed. The ECM will compare the temperature difference between the ECT sensor 1 and the ECT sensor 2 to determine if the temperatures are within an acceptable operating range of each other.