Circuit/System Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Chevrolet Trax and 2016 Buick Encore. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The engine control module (ECM) monitors temperature difference between the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor and the radiator coolant temperature (RCT) sensor during a cold start-up. The purpose of this diagnostic is to analyze the engine coolant thermostat for being stuck open.