Enhanced Testing

P0116 - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range Performance





Function
The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS) is located in the engine coolant passage of the cylinder head for detecting the engine coolant temperature. The ECTS uses a thermistor whose resistance changes with the temperature. The electrical resistance of the ECTS decreases as the temperature increases, and increases as the temperature decreases. The reference 5 V in the ECM is supplied to the ECTS via a resistor in the ECM. That is, the resistor in the ECM and the thermistor in the ECTS are connected in series. When the resistance value of the thermistor in the ECTS changes according to the engine coolant temperature, the output voltage also changes.

During cold engine operation the ECM increases the fuel injection duration and controls the ignition timing using the information of engine coolant temperature to avoid engine stalling and improve drivability.

DTC Description
The purpose of this diagnosis is to detect a stuck coolant temperature signal. The diagnostic function checks whether after a variation of the calculated coolant temperature also a variation of the measured coolant temperature is detected.

ECM sets DTC P0116 when the variation of measured engine coolant temperature from engine start is smaller than threshold while variation of calculated coolant temperature by ECM is greater than threshold. If this error code is set in the next driving cycle again, ECM illuminates the MIL. The diagnosis is performed only once per driving cycle.

Detecting Conditions and Specifications





Wiring Schematics





Signal Waveform