Theory Of Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Dodge Journey. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor-type sensor whose resistance varies inversely with temperature. At cold temperatures the sensor resistance is high so the voltage is high. As the coolant temperature increases the resistance decreases and the voltage becomes low. The INSUFFICIENT COOLANT TEMP FOR CLOSED-LOOP FUEL CONTROL determines if the engine coolant temperature will reach the closed loop fueling control temperature limit in a regulated time after start.