P0116
DTC P0116
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0116 00
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Performance
Diagnostic Fault Information
Typical Scan Tool Data
Circuit/System Description
The ECT sensor 1 is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 V to the ECT sensor 1 signal circuit and supplies a ground for the low reference circuit.
The purpose of this diagnostic is to analyze the performance of the ECT sensor 1 by comparing the response and the range of the sensor signal to two distinct models under various operating conditions.
* The first model verifies that the sensor is not stuck in range.
* The second model verifies that the sensor is within an acceptable operating range of the calculated ECT. Both models use various parts of the information derived from the following inputs:
- Ambient air temperature
- ECT
- Engine OFF time
- Intake air temperature (IAT)
- Engine OFF time
Conditions for Running the DTC
P0116 00
* The ignition is ON, or the engine is running.
* DTC P0117 00 or P0118 00 are not set.
* This DTC runs continuously within the enabling conditions.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
P0116 00 Engine Running, Sensor Signal Stuck Test
* The ECT back up value minus the ECT back up value at engine start, is not within range of the calibrated model.
* The measured ECT 1 minus the measured ECT 1 at engine start, is not within range of the calibrated model.
P0116 00 Engine Running, Sensor Within Range Test
* The ECT 1 at engine start is not within range of the calibrated model.
* The ECT 1 at engine start minus the IAT at engine start is not within range of the calibrated model.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
* DTC P0116 00 is a Type B DTC.
* The cooling fans will be commanded ON.
* The A/C compressor will be commanded OFF.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
DTC P0116 00 is a Type B DTC.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Engine Controls Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector End Views By Name)
Description and Operation
Cooling System Description and Operation (1.4L LDD and LUJ) (Description and Operation)Cooling System Description and Operation (LDE, LLU, LXV, 2H0 and LUW) (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)
DTC Type Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions (Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Engine running, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. Verify that DTC P0111 00, P0112 00, P0113 00, P0114 00, P0117 00, P0118 00, P0119 00 or P0128 00 is not set.
• If any of the DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle (Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle).
2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.
Circuit/System Testing
Note: You must perform the Circuit/System Verification before proceeding with Circuit/System Testing.
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the B34A Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1.
2. Ignition ON, clear the DTC information with a scan tool.
3. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohm of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.
4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECT Sensor 1 parameter is at -40°C (-40°F).
• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.
5. Ignition ON, clear the DTC information with a scan tool.
Note: If the fuse in the jumper wire opens, the signal circuit is shorted to a voltage and the sensor may be damaged.
6. Install a 1 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 1 and the low reference circuit terminal 2. Verify the scan tool ECT sensor 1 parameter is greater than 128°C (262°F).
• If less than specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.
7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the B34A Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1.
Component Testing
Static Test
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the B34A Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1.
Note: A thermometer can be used to the used to test the sensor off the vehicle.
2. Test the B34A Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 by varying the sensor temperature while monitoring the sensor resistance. Compare the readings with the Temperature Versus Resistance (IAT) (Temperature Versus Resistance (IAT))Temperature Versus Resistance (ECT) (Temperature Versus Resistance (ECT)) table and verify that the resistance is within 5% of the specification.
• If not within the specified range, replace the B34A Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement (Radiator) (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement (Radiator))Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement (Thermostat) (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement (Thermostat))
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for ECM replacement, setup, and programming