P0116

DTC P0116

Circuit Description

The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies 5 volts to the signal circuit. When coolant temperatures are low, resistance is high. When coolant temperatures are high resistance is low. The PCM uses this input for engine controls and enabling criteria for diagnostics. The PCM will record the amount of time the engine is OFF. At restart the PCM will compare the temperature difference between the ECT and intake air temperature (IAT). If the temperature difference is not within the calculated amount after the predetermined soak time, this DTC will set.

The following table illustrates the difference between temperature, resistance, and voltage:






DTC Descriptors

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC.
DTC P0116 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT)
Sensor Performance


Conditions for Running the DTC

- The ignition is ON.

- DTCs P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0125, P0128, P0601, and P0602, are not set.

- The vehicle has a minimum soak time of 8 hours.


Conditions for Setting the DTC

If the PCM detects a temperature difference of more than 15°C (27°F) between the ECT and the IAT, the vehicle must be driven for 5 minutes over 24 km/h (15 mph). If the IAT decreases more than 7°C (45°F) then a block heater is indicated and the test is aborted. If the IAT temperature does not decrease, a block heater was not detected and this DTC will set.


Action Taken When the DTC Sets

- The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.

- The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.


Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

- The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.

- A current DTC Last Test Failed clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.

- A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.

- Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

- DTC P0116 is designed to detect an ECT sensor that is skewed high.

- An IAT sensor that is skewed low could cause this DTC to set. Refer to DTC P0113.

- When checking the ECT sensor, the Temperature vs Resistance table should be used in order to determine if a skewed sensor is the problem.

- If the engine has been allowed to sit overnight, the ECT and IAT temperature should be within the calculated amount.

Test Description

DTC P0116 Steps 1-10:

DTC P0116 Steps 11-15:

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

5. This step tests for excessive resistance in the ECT sensor circuit.

6. This step tests for excessive resistance in the IAT sensor circuit. Refer to DTC P0113 if the temperature does not indicate the specified value.P0113

7. This step isolates the condition. If the temperature changes, test for a condition in the low reference circuit. If the temperature remains the same test the signal circuit for a condition.