DTC Advanced Diagnostics: P0116
DTC P0116:Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance Problem

General Description


The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor 1 for rationality malfunctions. In order to provide diagnosis, the measured engine coolant temperature is monitored against expected engine coolant temperature at engine start. The expected engine coolant temperature is a modeled temperature which represents the lowest possible heating up of engine coolant temperature. The measured engine coolant temperature is always higher than expected temperature value in case of valid sensor. If the stored ECT sensor 1 temperature difference is a specified value for a specified time, the PCM detects a malfunction and stores a DTC.

Monitor Execution, Sequence, Duration, DTC Type
Execution
Continuous
Sequence
None
Duration
0.5 second or more
DTC Type
Two drive cycles, MIL on

Enable Conditions
Condition
Minimum
Maximum
Initial engine coolant temperature [ECT Sensor 1]
-40.07 °F (-40.04 °C)
265.92 °F (129.96 °C)
[ ]: HDS Parameter

To ensure a change of the intake air temperature, the engine must run in the following two operating ranges for at least 7 seconds each
Condition
Minimum
Maximum
Engine speed [Engine Speed]
20 rpm
–
Other
During fuel cut-off operation

Condition
Minimum
Maximum
Vehicle speed [Vehicle Speed]
0 mph (0 km/h)
62 mph (100 km/h)
Intake air amount
8 kg/h (18 lbs) - 152 kg/h (80 lbs)*
900 kg/h (1,984 lbs/h)
*: Depending on vehicle speed

Malfunction Threshold
The difference between stored maximum and stored minimum ECT sensor 1 temperature is less than 0.9 °F (0.5 °C).

Possible Cause
NOTE: The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.
ECT sensor 1 failure
PCM internal circuit failure

Confirmation Procedure
Operating Condition
Start the engine and drive the vehicle for a while.
Drive the vehicle in this manner only if the traffic regulations and ambient conditions allow.

Diagnosis Details
Conditions for setting the DTC
When a malfunction is detected during the first drive cycle, a Pending DTC is stored in the PCM memory. If the malfunction returns in the next (second) drive cycle, the MIL comes on and a Confirmed DTC and the freeze data are stored.

Conditions for clearing the DTC
The MIL is cleared if the malfunction does not return in three consecutive trips in which the diagnostic runs. The MIL, the Pending DTC, the Confirmed DTC, and the freeze data can be cleared with the scan tool Clear command.