Code P0517, ECT sensor replacement

Hi,

When the vehicle is running, are there any strange odors, sounds, or smoke from the exhaust? What exactly is it doing at this point?

As far as the battery temp sensor, it is located under the battery. I attached information on the code, testing related to the code, and how to remove and replace it if you determine it's bad.

Here is a link you may find helpful when testing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know as much as you can about what is happening. Also, when you lost power steering and power brakes, was the engine running, almost stalling, or did it already stall?

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

When it starts RPM is normal but very quickly it drops below 1 and car starts to stall and vibrate, then shuts off.
Yes, exhaust is smoking and smells like gasoline, best way to describe smell.
The exhaust smoke "stalls with the engine"..small "puffs" of smoke coming out.
When I lost power steering and brakes I was at a red light and when I let of the gas to go it was dragging to accelerate. I tried to turn the wheel to get across the lane and realized it was extremely hard to turn or brake.
I didn't realize that you are supposed to drain the radiator prior to the temperature sensor replacement, is that correct?

Hi,

As far as draining the radiator, you only need to get it below the level of the sensor. The reason is to prevent coolant from leaking out when the sensor is removed. If you didn't do it that way, don't worry. It didn't hurt anything.

As far as the running issue, if the smoke is dark gray or black, that indicates there is too much fuel getting to the engine. The ECT can cause that by sending a false signal to the computer. By any chance, do you have access to a live data scan tool? If you do, I want you to check the ECT signal to confirm it is showing approx ambient temperature. Do this cold because that way the coolant should be air temp.

If that checks good, we need to check fuel pressure. If it is too high, that can cause a rich fuel mixture as well. Here is a link that shows how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

If the pressure is within spec, then the next thing to check would be the catalytic converter to see if it is plugged. We will cross that bridge when we get to it. Hopefully, we won't need to.

If it is possible, record it starting and the smoke you see from the exhaust. Upload it for me to see.

Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Joe