P0116

DTC P0116 ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE CIRCUIT RANGE/PERFORMANCE PROBLEM

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

DTC Detection Conditions:

A thermistor is built into the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, of which the resistance value varies according to the ECT. The structure of the sensor and its connection to the ECM are the same as those of the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor.

HINT: When any of DTCs P0115, P0117 and P0118 are set, the ECM enters fail safe mode. During fail safe mode, the ECT is estimated to be 80°C (176°F) by the ECM. Fail safe mode continues until a pass condition is detected.

MONITOR DESCRIPTION

Monitor Strategy:

Typical Enabling Conditions:

Typical Malfunction Thresholds:

Component Operating Range:

The ECT sensor is used to monitor the ECT. The ECT sensor has a built-in thermistor with a resistance that varies according to the temperature of the engine coolant. When the ECT is low, the resistance of the thermistor increases. When the temperature is high, the resistance drops. These variations in the resistance are reflected in the voltage output from the ECT sensor.

The ECM monitors the sensor voltage and uses this value to calculate the ECT. If the sensor voltage output deviates from the normal operating range, the ECM interprets this deviation as a malfunction in the ECT sensor and sets the DTC.

Examples:
- Upon starting the engine, the ECT is between 35°C and 60°C (95°F and 140°F). If after driving for 250 seconds, the ECT remains within 3°C (5.4°F) of the starting temperature, the DTC is set (2 trip detection logic).
- Upon starting the engine, the ECT is over 60°C (140°F). If after driving for 250 seconds, the ECM remains within 1°C (1.8°F) of the starting temperature, the DTC is set (6 trip detection logic).

Wiring Diagram:

INSPECTION PROCEDURE

HINT:
- If any of DTCs P0115, P0117, P0118 or P0125 are set simultaneously with DTC P0116, the ECT sensor may have an open or a short circuit. Troubleshoot those DTCs first.
- Read freeze frame data using a hand-held tester or OBD II scan tool. Freeze frame data record the engine condition when malfunctions are detected. When troubleshooting, freeze frame data can help determine if the vehicle was moving or stationary, if the engine was warmed up or not, if the air-fuel ratio was lean or rich, and other data, from the time the malfunction occurred.

REPLACE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR