DTC P0116. Cadillac CTS 2005

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2005 🢒 CTS 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0116

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 signal circuit and a ground for the ECT low reference circuit. When the ECT is low, the sensor resistance is high. When the ECT is high, the sensor resistance is low. The PCM uses this input for engine controls and enabling criteria for diagnostics. The PCM uses this High Side Coolant Rationality test to determine if the ECT input is skewed high. The internal clock of the PCM will record the amount of time the ignition is OFF. At restart the PCM will compare the temperature difference between the ECT and the intake air temperature (IAT). This DTC will only run once during the ignition cycle within the enabling conditions. Before failing this test, the PCM will perform a calculation to determine the presence of a block heater. If the PCM detects that the temperature difference is not within the calibrated range after the ignition OFF time, DTC P0116 sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0116 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Performance

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	The ignition is ON.

•	DTCs P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0128, P0502, P0503 are not set.

•	The vehicle has a minimum ignition off time of 10 hours.

•	The start-up IAT sensor parameter is more than -7°C (20°F).

•	DTC P0116 runs once per drive cycle when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The start-up ECT is more than the start-up IAT by 100°C (180°F).

The start-up ECT is more than the start-up IAT by 15°C (27°F), then the vehicle must be driven for more than 400 seconds over 24 km/h (15 mph). If the IAT sensor temperature decreases more than 8°C (14°F), a block heater is detected and the test is aborted. If the IAT sensor temperature does not decrease, a block heater was not detected and DTC P0116 sets.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

•	The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.

•

The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

•	The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.

•	A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.

•	A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.

•	Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

DTC P0116 may set if the vehicle uses an aftermarket engine block heater.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

A snapshot is the quickest method to capture the data before it changes.

An IAT sensor that is skewed low can cause this DTC to set.

This step will determine if high resistance has caused this DTC to set.

A high resistance short from the signal circuit to the low reference circuit can cause this DTC to set.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views or Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

Important: The cooling fans are commanded ON when certain engine coolant temperature (ECT) DTCs are set.

Inspect the cooling system coolant level.

Is the cooling system coolant low?

Go to Cooling System Draining and Filling

Go to Step 3

Observe and record the ambient air temperature of the vehicle environment using an accurate thermometer.

Did you complete the action?

Go to Step 4

Important: The vehicle needs to have been OFF for at least 10 hours for the ECT and the intake air temperature (IAT) to be at ambient temperature. The vehicle should not have changed environments during this time.

Has the engine been OFF for the specified amount of time?

10 hrs

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

Remove the mass air flow (MAF)/intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor/Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .
Remove the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement .
Place the sensors on a work surface away from any heat source.
Allow the sensors to reach the ambient air temperature for 30-60 minutes.

Are the sensors at the ambient temperature?

Go to Step 6

Connect the MAF/IAT sensor to the electrical connector, but DO NOT install it.
Insulate the sensor from any engine heat source.
Connect the ECT sensor to the electrical connector, but DO NOT install it.
Insulate the sensor from any engine heat source.

Are the sensors connected?

Go to Step 7

Important: The IAT sensor will start to warm-up as soon as the ignition is turned ON.

Turn ON the ignition.
Take a snapshot of the Engine Data List with a scan tool. Refer to Scan Tool Snapshot Procedure .
Review the snapshot data that was taken with the scan tool.
Observe the ECT Sensor parameter with a scan tool.
Observe the IAT Sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the difference between the ECT Sensor parameter and the IAT Sensor parameter more than the specified value?

15°C (27°F)

Go to Step 8

Go to Intermittent Conditions

Observe the recorded IAT Sensor parameter.

Is the difference between the IAT Sensor parameter and the ambient air temperature less than the specified value?

8°C (14°F)

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

Observe the recorded ECT Sensor parameter.

Is the difference between the ECT Sensor parameter and the ambient air temperature less than the specified value?

8°C (14°F)

Go to Intermittent Conditions

Go to Step 12

Disconnect the MAF/IAT sensor.
Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the IAT sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 11

At the sensor, measure the resistance between the IAT signal and the IAT low reference terminals with a DMM and record the value. Refer to Circuit Testing .
Observe the recorded ambient air temperature.
Compare the resistance measurement of the IAT sensor to the ambient air temperature using the Temperature vs. Resistance table. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .

Is the resistance measurement of the IAT sensor within the specified range?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 22

Disconnect the ECT sensor.
Inspect for the following conditions:

•	An ECT sensor leaking engine coolant internally through the sensor

•	Corrosion on the ECT sensor terminals

•	Corrosion on the ECT harness connector terminals

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 13

Important: Do not hold the ECT sensor by the probe.

At the sensor, measure the resistance between the ECT signal and the ECT low reference terminals with a DMM and record the value. Refer to Circuit Testing .
Observe the recorded ambient air temperature.
Compare the resistance measurement of the ECT sensor to the ambient air temperature using the Temperature vs. Resistance table. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .

Is the resistance measurement of the ECT sensor within the specified range?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 23

Important: All electrical components and accessories must be turned OFF. Performing this step will disable the diagnostic for 10 hours.

Turn OFF the ignition for 90 seconds to allow the control modules to power down.
Measure the resistance from the low reference circuit of the IAT sensor to a good ground with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing .

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

5 ohms

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 17

Measure the voltage from the ECT signal circuit to a good ground with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing .

Is the voltage within the specified range?

4.8-5.2 V

Go to Intermittent Conditions

Go to Step 19

Disconnect the powertrain control module (PCM).
Measure the resistance of the IAT sensor signal circuit between the sensor harness and the PCM with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing .

Is the resistance within the specified range?

0-10 ohms

Go to Intermittent Conditions

Go to Step 18

Test the IAT low reference circuit for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 20

Test the IAT signal circuit for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 20

Test the ECT signal circuit for a high resistance short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 21

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 24

Test for shorted terminals and poor connections at the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , Connector Repairs , and Intermittent Conditions .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 24

Replace the MAF/IAT sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor/Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 25

Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 25

Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 25

Reassemble the vehicle as necessary.

Did you complete the action?

Go to Step 26

Important: This DTC will not run without the ignition being OFF for at least 10 hours.

Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
Turn OFF the ignition for 10 hours.
Start the engine.
Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running in the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 27

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK