Circuit Description
An engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor monitors the temperature of the coolant. This input is used by the engine control module (ECM) for engine control and as an enabling criteria for some diagnostics.
The air flow into the engine is accumulated and used to determine if the vehicle has been driven within the conditions that would allow the engine coolant to heat up normally. If the coolant temperature does not increase normally, the diagnostics that use engine coolant temperature as enabling criteria may not run when expected.
The ECM calculates a modeled temperature using startup ECT, mass air flow (MAF), and Engine Run Time.
If the ECM detects the calibrated amount of air flow and engine run time at any time is equal to a predetermined value, and the engine coolant is not within the range of the calibrated temperature, 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 engine is cranking or running. |
| • | DTC P0116 runs continuously once the above conditions are met. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The calibrated amount of air flow at any time has been met. |
| • | The calibrated amount of engine run time at any time has been met. |
| • | The actual ECT deviates by more than 12°C (22°F) from a predetermined calibrated ECT. |
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. |
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views or Engine Control Module Connector End Views | ||||||||||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information | ||||||||
2 |
Important: The cooling fans are commanded ON when certain engine coolant temperature (ECT) DTCs are set. Is the cooling system coolant low? | -- | Go to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling | Go to Step 3 | ||||||||
3 | Test and verify the proper operation of the thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis in Engine Cooling. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 4 | ||||||||
4 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||||
5 | Measure the voltage from the signal circuit of the ECT sensor to a good ground with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems. Is the voltage within the specified range? | 4.8-5.2 V | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 8 | ||||||||
6 | Measure the voltage from the signal circuit of the ECT sensor to the low reference circuit of the ECT sensor with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems. Is the voltage within the specified range? | 4.8-5.2 V | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 7 | ||||||||
7 | Test the ECT sensor low reference circuit for high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 11 | ||||||||
8 | Test the ECT sensor signal circuit for high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 11 | ||||||||
9 |
Is the resistance measurement of the ECT sensor within the specified range? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 12 | ||||||||
10 | Install the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Intermittent Conditions | -- | ||||||||
11 | Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 13 | ||||||||
12 | Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 14 | -- | ||||||||
13 | Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 14 | -- | |||||||||
14 |
Did the DTC fail this ignition? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 15 | ||||||||
15 | 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 in Vehicle DTC Information | System OK | ||||||||
