DTC Advanced Diagnostics: P0116 (2.0L Engine) (2024 2025)
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 seconds or more |
| DTC Type | Two drive cycles, MIL on |
Enable Conditions
| Condition | |
|---|---|
| Other | No electrical faults in ECT sensor 1 |
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 - 36 kg/h* | 900 kg/h |
*: Depending on vehicle speed
[ ]: HDS Parameter
Malfunction Threshold
The difference between stored maximum and stored minimum ECT sensor 1 temperature is less than 0.9 deg.F (0.5 deg.C).
Possible Cause
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, the freeze data, and the on-board snapshot 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, the freeze data, and the on-board snapshot can be cleared with the scan tool clear command.