Diagnostic Instructions
| • | Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. |
| • | Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach. |
| • | Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category. |
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0116: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor PerformanceDiagnostic Fault Information
Circuit | Short to Ground | Open/High Resistance | Short to Voltage | Signal Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ECT Sensor Signal | P0115, P0117 | P0115, P0118 | P0115, P0118 | P0116, P011B |
Low Reference | -- | P0110, P0113, P0115, P0118, P0120, P0123, P0220, P0223, P0450, P0453 | -- | P0116, P011B |
Typical Scan Tool Data
Circuit | Short to Ground | Open | Short to Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
Operating Conditions: Engine operating in Closed Loop. Parameter Normal Range: -39 to +140°C (-39 to +284°F) Varies with coolant temperature. | |||
ECT Sensor Signal | 140°C (284°F) | -40°C (-40°F) | -40°C (-40°F) |
Low Reference | -- | -40°C (-40°F) | -40°C (-40°F) |
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 ECT signal circuit and supplies a ground to the low reference circuit. The PCM monitors the mutual performance of the ECT and the intake air temperature (IAT) signals. The PCM monitors the warm up and cool down behavior of the sensors, after a vehicle driven at operating temperature is shut down. If the PCM detects that the ECT is not with in a predetermined range of IAT after a long soak, or the ECT and IAT are not within a range of each other, as compared to a previous cold start, this DTC sets.
The following table illustrates the difference between temperature, resistance, and voltage:
Temperature | ECT Resistance | ECT Signal Voltage |
|---|---|---|
Cold | High | High |
Warm | Low | Low |
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The engine coolant temperature is at a specified value at engine start up. |
| • | The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is colder than -7°C (20°F) at engine start up. |
| • | The engine has been running for greater than 250 seconds. |
| • | Vehicle speed has exceeded 65 km/h (40 mph). |
| • | DTC P0116 runs continuously once the above conditions are met. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
Condition 1 - ECT sensor output stuck in low range
| • | The ECT is between 35°C and 60°C (95°F and 140°F) at engine start up, and the change in ECT is less than 3°C (5.4°F) after running for greater than 250 seconds. |
| • | The above condition is present for two consecutive drive cycles. |
Condition 2 - ECT sensor output stuck in high range
| • | The ECT is greater than 60°C (140°F) at engine start up, and the change in ECT is less than 1°C (1.8°F) after running for greater than 250 seconds. |
| • | The above condition is present for six consecutive drive cycles. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
DTC P0116 is a Type B DTC.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
DTC P0116 is a Type B DTC.
Diagnostic Aids
| • | Test the ECT and the IAT sensor at various temperature levels in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed sensor. A skewed sensor can result in a DTC or a driveability condition. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance. |
| • | If the vehicle has sat overnight, the IAT sensor and the ECT sensor values should display within 3°C (5°F). |
| • | After starting a cold engine, the ECT sensor temperature should rise steadily, then stabilize after the thermostat opens. |
| • | High resistance in the circuit of the ECT sensor could set a DTC. |
| • | A short to ground or voltage through a conductive material or fluid could set this DTC. Inspect the ECT sensor for evidence of coolant leaking into the connector body. |
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Connector End View Reference
Electrical Information Reference
DTC Type Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
- Verify that the following DTCs are not set: P0115, P0117 and P0118.
- Inspect the engine coolant level. Verify that the cooling system is operating correctly.
- 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.
| ⇒ | If any of the DTCs are set, refer to DTC P0115, P0117, or P0118. |
| ⇒ | If you suspect a condition with engine cooling system, refer to Symptoms - Engine Cooling. |
Circuit/System Testing
Warning: An electric fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the ECT sensor.
- Test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 1 and ground G104.
- Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECT sensor parameter is at -40°C (-40°F).
- Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 2 and the low reference circuit terminal 1. Verify the ECT sensor parameter is greater than 139°C (280°F).
- If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ECT sensor.
| ⇒ | If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance, or for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM. |
| ⇒ | If greater than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM. |
| ⇒ | If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM. |
Component Testing
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
- Test the ECT sensor by varying the sensor temperature while monitoring the sensor resistance. Compare the readings with the Temperature Versus Resistance table and verify that the resistance is within 5 percent of the specification.
Important: A thermometer can be used to test the sensor off the vehicle.
| ⇒ | If not within the specified range, replace the ECT sensor. |
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
| • | Control Module References for control module replacement, setup, and programming |
