GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0116: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

ECT Sensor Signal

P0117, P011A

P0118, P011A

P0118, P011A

P0116, P0128

Low Reference

--

P0118, P011A

P0118, P011A

P0128

Typical Scan Tool Data

ECT Sensor Temperature

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine Running

Parameter Normal Range: -39 to +120°C (-38 to +248°F)

ECT Sensor Signal

149°C (300°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

Low Reference

--

-40°C (-40°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

Circuit/System Description

The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the signal circuit and a ground for the low reference circuit. The ECM uses this high side coolant rationality diagnostic to determine if the input from the ECT sensor is skewed warmer than normal. The internal clock of the ECM will record the amount of time the ignition is OFF. If the calibrated ignition OFF time is met at start-up, the ECM will compare the temperature difference between the ECT and the intake air temperature (IAT) to determine if the temperatures are within an acceptable operating range of each other.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0117, P0118, P0182, P0183, P2610, P2184, P2185 are not set.
    • The engine OFF timer is greater than 10 hours.
    • The ignition is ON.
    • The engine run time is greater than 2 seconds.
    • The start-up IAT is warmer than 10°C (50°F).
    • DTC P0116 runs once per drive cycle within the enabling conditions.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects a start-up temperature difference between the ECT sensor and the IAT sensor 2 of more than 15°C (59°F). If the ECT temperature decreases more than 5°C (41.5°F), with an engine RPM greater than 650 within the first 60 seconds of engine run time, a block heater is detected and the test is aborted. If the ECT temperature does not decrease, a block heater was not detected and DTC  P0116 sets.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0116 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0116 is a Type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect the ECT sensor terminals for corrosion and for engine coolant leaking through the sensor. Engine coolant that is leaking through the sensor will create a high resistance short to ground. This condition results in less voltage on the ECT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a warmer ECT.
    • An IAT sensor that is skewed colder at various ambient temperatures due to greater resistance than is normal will increase the range between these two sensors. Measure and record the resistance of the IAT sensor at various ambient temperatures, then compare those measurements to the Temperature vs Resistance table. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance.
    • A slight to moderate resistance in the IAT sensor signal circuit or low reference circuit will increase the range between these two sensors. This condition results in a greater voltage on the IAT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a colder IAT.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Inspect the cooling system surge tank for the proper engine coolant level. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing and Cooling System Draining and Filling.
  2. Important: Determine the ambient temperature by using an accurate thermometer.

  3. If the ignition has been OFF for 10 hours or greater, the ECT and the IAT sensor 2 should be within 15°C (27°F) of each other.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ECT sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF for 90 seconds, test for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal A and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECT parameter is colder than -39°C (-40°F).
  5. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal B and the low reference circuit terminal A. Verify the scan tool ECT parameter is warmer than 149°C (300°F)
  7. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ECT sensor.

Component Testing

Measure and record the resistance of the ECT sensor at various ambient temperatures and compare those measurements to the Temperature vs. Resistance table. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming