CAR OBD CODES
OBD/DTC Search, e.g.P0116
CAR OBD CODES P0116
P0116 OBD Code Definition:
P0116 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance Problem
P0116 OBD Code Description:
OBD2 Code P0116 Definition:
The ECT (Engine coolant temperature) sensor is a thermistor which changes resistance based on temperature of the coolant in contact with it. The ECT sensor will be located in the block or coolant passage. Usually it is a two wire sensor. One wire is a 5 Volt supply from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) to the ECT. The other is a ground to the ECT.
As the temperature of the coolant changes the resistance on the signal wire changes accordingly. The PCM monitors the reading and determines coolant temperature in order to perform essential engine fuel management. When engine coolant is low, sensor resistance is high. The PCM will see a high signal voltage (low temperature). When coolant is warm, the sensor’s resistance is low and the PCM will see a high temperature. The PCM expects to see slow resistance changes on the ECT signal circuit. If it sees a quick change in voltage that isn’t consistent with an engine warming up, this P0116 code will set. Or if it sees a lack of change in ECT signal, this code may set. Symptoms
Possible sumptoms of P0116
There may be no noticeable symptoms if the problem is very intermittent, however the following may occur: MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illumination Poor drivability Black smoke at tailpipe Poor fuel economy May not idle May exhibit stalling or misfires
Possible Causes
Possible causes of P0116
Potential causes of the P0116 code include: Missing or stuck-open thermostat Bad ECT sensor Short or open on signal wire Short or open on ground wire Poor connections in wiring
Possible Solutions
If there are any other ECT sensor codes, diagnose them first. Using a scan tool, check the ECT reading. On a cold engine, it should match the IAT reading or should be equal to ambient (outside) temperature reading. If it does match the IAT or ambient temp, check the freeze frame data on your scan tool (if equipped). The saved data should tell you what the ECT reading was when the fault occurred. A) If the saved info indicates that the engine coolant reading was at the coldest exreme (around -30 deg. F) then that’s a good indication the ECT resistance was intermittently high (unless you live in Anchorage!) Check for an open in the ECT sensor ground and signal circuits and repair as necessary. If they appear okay, warm the engine up while monitoring the ECT for any intermittent jumps high or low. If there are replace the ECT. B) If the saved info indicates that the engine coolant reading was at the warmest exreme (around 250+ deg.F) then that’s a good indication the ECT resistance was intermittently low. Check for a short to ground on the signal circuit and repair as necessary. If it appears okay, warm the engine up while monitoring the ECT for any intermittent jumps high or low. If there are replace the ECT. OBD-II Codes
P0115 P0117 P0118 P0119 P0125 P0128
Note: The information on the P0116 error code is purely informative, if you need more useful information, please consult your technician.
B1C84 B12D1 B2667 B1D01 B1439 B2910 B1005 B10A4 B2366 B1262 B2610 B10AF B1573 B002A B2034 OBDII Chassis Codes
C0630 C1449 C1D22 C1446 C1503 C1324 C1987 C0146 C1112 C1511 C1749 C1A31 C1015 C1846 B1C0B OBDII Network Codes
U0262 U1192 U300F U1252 U0405 U0256 U2355 U0212 U0527 U0077 U1009 U0146 U1246 U1127 U1196 OBDII Powertrain Codes
P2275 P0949 P0403 P0816 P0894 P3402 P1197 P000C P2601 P033C P2153 P0595 P257C P0775 P0257