OBD II Code P0116
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance Problem
Our emissions expert has put together the following information about the P0116 fault code. We have also included diagnostic procedures you can take to your repair shop if the mechanic is having difficulty analyzing the code.
OBD II Fault Code
OBD II P0116
Fault Code Definition
The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor measures the rise and fall of the Engine Coolant Temperature. This provides critical data needed for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to control the Air Fuel Ratio, the Ignition Spark Timing, the cooling fans, and many components of the Emissions Control Systems. Code P0116 indicates a performance problem with the sensor signal to the Powertrain Control Module.
Symptoms
Check Engine Light will illuminate
In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed
In some cases, the engine may be hard starting and/or get poor fuel economy
Common Problems That Trigger the P0116 Code
Defective Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
Rusty and/or corroded Engine Coolant
Faulty or corroded Engine Coolant Temperature wiring or connections
Common Misdiagnoses
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is replaced when the real cause is rusty coolant
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is replaced when the real cause is a poor connection or chafed wiring
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is replaced when the real problem is in the Cooling System
HO2S Heater Resistance (Bank 2, Sensor 3)
Description:
How does a P0061 code trigger the check engine light? This code will trigger the check engine light as follows:
The vehicle Powertrain Control Module monitors the oxygen sensor heater control circuit current draw. The check engine light will illuminate when the current requirements are too high or too low.
Possible Causes:
Possible causes for this check engine light code include:
Blown oxygen sensor fuse
Open circuit in oxygen sensor harness
Open circuit internal to oxygen sensor
Open circuit in PCM
Short circuit in oxygen sensor harness
Short circuit internal to oxygen sensor
Short circuit internal to PCM
Diagnostic Help:
To diagnose a P0061 check engine light code we will need to test out the oxygen sensor wiring and also test the circuits through the oxygen sensor itself. The internal processor circuits are a possible cause but are much less likely, so the other areas are thoroughly tested first. See our article Automotive Circuit Testing 101, if you need more assistance with this. If concern is determined to be intermittent, check out our article on Intermittent Diagnosis and wiggle test connectors and wiring, attempting to duplicate concern. You may also use the “Get Help” link if you need specifications or have any other related questions. Remember to refer to an appropriate manual for specific instruction.
HO2S Heater Resistance (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
Description:
How does a P0060 code trigger the check engine light? This code will trigger the check engine light as follows:
The vehicle Powertrain Control Module monitors the oxygen sensor heater control circuit current draw. The check engine light will illuminate when the current requirements are too high or too low.
Possible Causes:
Possible causes for this check engine light code include:
Blown oxygen sensor fuse
Open circuit in oxygen sensor harness
Open circuit internal to oxygen sensor
Open circuit in PCM
Short circuit in oxygen sensor harness
Short circuit internal to oxygen sensor
Short circuit internal to PCM
Diagnostic Help:
To diagnose a P0060 check engine light code we will need to test out the oxygen sensor wiring and also test the circuits through the oxygen sensor itself. The internal processor circuits are a possible cause but are much less likely, so the other areas are thoroughly tested first. See our article Automotive Circuit Testing 101, if you need more assistance with this. If concern is determined to be intermittent, check out our article on Intermittent Diagnosis and wiggle test connectors and wiring, attempting to duplicate concern. You may also use the “Get Help” link if you need specifications or have any other related questions. Remember to refer to an appropriate manual for specific instruction.
HO2S Heater Resistance (Bank 2, Sensor 1)
Description:
How does a P0059 code trigger the check engine light? This code will trigger the check engine light as follows:
The vehicle Powertrain Control Module monitors the oxygen sensor heater control circuit current draw. The check engine light will illuminate when the current requirements are too high or too low.
Possible Causes:
Possible causes for this check engine light code include:
Blown oxygen sensor fuse
Open circuit in oxygen sensor harness
Open circuit internal to oxygen sensor
Open circuit in PCM
Short circuit in oxygen sensor harness
Short circuit internal to oxygen sensor
Short circuit internal to PCM
Diagnostic Help:
To diagnose a P0059 check engine light code we will need to test out the oxygen sensor wiring and also test the circuits through the oxygen sensor itself. The internal processor circuits are a possible cause but are much less likely, so the other areas are thoroughly tested first. See our article Automotive Circuit Testing 101, if you need more assistance with this. If concern is determined to be intermittent, check out our article on Intermittent Diagnosis and wiggle test connectors and wiring, attempting to duplicate concern. You may also use the “Get Help” link if you need specifications or have any other related questions. Remember to refer to an appropriate manual for specific instruction.
HO2S Heater Resistance (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
Description:
How does a P0054 code trigger the check engine light? This code will trigger the check engine light as follows:
The vehicle Powertrain Control Module monitors the oxygen sensor heater control circuit current draw. The check engine light will illuminate when the current requirements are too high or too low.
Possible Causes:
Possible causes for this check engine light code include:
Blown oxygen sensor fuse
Open circuit in oxygen sensor harness
Open circuit internal to oxygen sensor
Open circuit in PCM
Short circuit in oxygen sensor harness
Short circuit internal to oxygen sensor
Short circuit internal to PCM
Diagnostic Help:
To diagnose a P0054 check engine light code we will need to test out the oxygen sensor wiring and also test the circuits through the oxygen sensor itself. The internal processor circuits are a possible cause but are much less likely, so the other areas are thoroughly tested first. See our article Automotive Circuit Testing 101, if you need more assistance with this. If concern is determined to be intermittent, check out our article on Intermittent Diagnosis and wiggle test connectors and wiring, attempting to duplicate concern. You may also use the “Get Help” link if you need specifications or have any other related questions. Remember to refer to an appropriate manual for specific instruction.
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