The engine control module (ECM) sends engine coolant temperature data to the transmission control module (TCM). The TCM uses this data to initiate warm-up shift patterns and to establish default transmission fluid temperature (TFT) values. The data is sent to the TCM through a communication network called the controller area network (CAN). Two circuits are used to communicate CAN data between the ECM and TCM. A fault in the CAN will not cause DTC P0115 to set by itself. If a CAN fault occurs, other DTCs will set before DTC P0115.
When the TCM receives invalid engine coolant temperature data from the ECM, then DTC P0115 will set. DTC P0115 is a type C DTC.
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0115 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit
| • | The engine run time is greater than 5 seconds. | 
| • | No other CAN errors are present. | 
The TCM receives no valid engine coolant temperature data from the ECM for 2 seconds.
| • | The TCM does not request the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). | 
| • | The TCM uses 25°C (77°F) as a default engine coolant temperature value. | 
| • | The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as a Failure Record. | 
| • | The TCM stores DTC P0115 in TCM history. | 
| • | A scan tool can clear the DTC. | 
| • | The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non emission related diagnostic fault occurring. | 
| • | The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the DTC passes. | 
Step  | Action  | Value(s)  | Yes  | No  | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1  | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?  | --  | Go to Step 2  | |||||
2  | 
 Important: 
 Did you record any ECM Failure Records?  | --  | Go to Step 3  | |||||
3  | 
 Did DTC P0115 reset?  | --  | Go to Step 4  | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections  | ||||
4  | Did any other DTCs set?  | --  | Go to Step 5  | |||||
5  | Replace the TCM. Refer to Control Module References . Is the action complete?  | --  | Go to Step 6  | --  | ||||
6  | Perform the following operation to verify the repair: 
 Has the test run and passed?  | --  | Go to Step 7  | Go to Step 2  | ||||
7  | With the scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info and DTC info. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?  | --  | System OK  |