a strategy for controlling an electric pump and control valve in an internal combustion engine cooling system compensates for backpressure variations and maintains system operation within design parameters . the method comprises the steps of measuring the coolant temperature , measuring the electrical current and voltage to the pump motor , determining the pump speed and coolant flow , determining the desired coolant flow , determining a negative correction to the flow control valve and pump if desired flow is less than present coolant flow and determining a positive correction to the flow control valve and pump if desired flow is more than present coolant flow and undertaking this correction to coolant flow . thus , based upon inferred back pressure in the engine coolant system from the data relating to the pump energy input , proper coolant flow , heat rejection and engine operating temperature can be maintained in spite of variations in system flow restrictions and backpressure .