DTC Advanced Diagnostics: P0116 (3.0L Engine)
DTC P0116: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance Problem
General Description
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor 1 is used for air/fuel ratio feedback control, ignition timing control, idle speed control, and other functions. The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the minimum and maximum values of ECT sensor 1 after the engine start. If the difference between the minimum value and the maximum after the engine start is small, the PCM detects a malfunction and stores a DTC.
Monitor Execution, Sequence, Duration, DTC Type
| Execution | Continuous |
| Sequence | None |
| Duration | 4 minutes 10 seconds or more |
| DTC Type | Two drive cycles, MIL on |
Enable Conditions
| Condition | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Engine speed [Engine Speed] | 1, 500 rpm | - |
| Engine load | 30 % | - |
| Fuel feedback | Other than during fuel cut-off operation | |
[ ]: HDS Parameter
Malfunction Threshold
ECT sensor 1 maximum value until the warm up counter reaches 4 minutes 10 seconds - (minus) ECT sensor 1 minimum value is less than 0.11 V.
Possible Cause
- ECT sensor 1 failure
Confirmation Procedure
Operating Condition
- Start the engine.
- Drive the vehicle at vehicle speed [Vehicle Speed] 45 -75 mph (73 -120 km/h) with steady engine speed [Engine Speed] 1, 500 - 3, 000 rpm for more than 4 minutes 10 seconds.
- 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.