P0116 - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor: Implausible Signal
What does error code P0116 mean?
- P0116 diagnostic trouble code DTC that shows the engine control module has detected the engine coolant temperature circuit 1 has fallen out of the manufacturer’s specified range.
- The engine coolant temperature is a thermistor. The sensor is typically located on the engine block or the cylinder head.
- Once there’s a change in the coolant temperature, the ECT sensor changes the resistance it sends to the PCM. The car computer uses this data to determine the engine temperature.
- If this sensor sends false signals to the car computer, it’ll make unnecessary adjustments. This may lead to vehicle failures during operation
What is the symptom of error code P0116?
Check engine light
- The most common symptom of a P0116 fault code is the illumination of a check engine light on the dashboard.
+ Kindly note that several factors can trigger this light. So, diagnose the vehicle to find the culprit whenever this warning light pops up on the instrument cluster.
Starting the engine when engine is warmish or warm, idle rpm immediately is 1200 - 3000 rpm.
Rough idling
- Another sign of a P0116 is rough idling.
+ Once the car computer receives false data from the ECT sensor, it’ll make unnecessary adjustments that may cause rough idling and hesitation while driving.
Hard starting in a cold climate
- The vehicle will take multiple cranks before starting in the morning or when the engine is cold. It may not start normally. However, another clear indication is that the engine will run smoothly or close to normal when the engine heats up.
Engine overheating
- Sometimes, the engine will run hot. Since the ECT sensor measures the coolant temperature, it will report to the car computer if it detects the coolant temperature falls out of the manufacturer’s specified range.
What Causes error code P0116?
Several factors can cause the car computer to set the P0116 error code on the car memory.
- Frayed, damaged, burnt, open, or short ECT sensor wires
- Low engine coolant
- Lousy coolant thermostat
- Poor electrical flow to the ECT sensor
- Engine Coolant Sensor faulty
How serious error code P0116 is?
- The P0116 code is a moderate issue you should not ignore for an extended period. This error code can trigger the engine warning light on the dash, causing you to fail emission inspection if not fixed on time.
- Secondly, it can activate a failsafe mode. Once the car computer triggers this mode, some system components will be inoperable.
How to diagnose
Step 1: Scan the vehicle
- Locate the OBD port on your vehicle and connect the scan tool. Pull out all the registered error codes. If there are other registered codes, fix them as well.
Step 2: Do a visual inspection
- Open the engine hood and locate the ECT sensor. Examine the engine coolant temperature for frayed, burnt, open, short, or damaged wires. Repair or replace any damaged wire.
Step 3: Test the thermostat
- Locate the thermostat and remove it. Test the thermostat and see if it is working properly. If it is faulty, it’ll cause the engine control unit to log P0116 error code. Replace the thermostat if it is damaged.
(How To Test Car Thermostat Without Removing It? Please follow us in the next video)
How do you fix P0116?
One or more of the following repairs will be needed to fix error code P0116.
- Replacing faulty ECT sensor
- Replacing a lousy thermostat with the correct temperature rating
- Repairing or replacing frayed, burnt, or damaged wires and connectors
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