Lincoln P0116 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance Problem

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0116 Lincoln

Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0116 Lincoln definition:
The ECT (Engine coolant temperature) sensor is a thermistor which changes resistance based on temperature of the coolant in contact with it. The ECT sensor will be located in the block or coolant passage. Usually it is a two wire sensor. One wire is a 5 Volt supply from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) to the ECT. The other is a ground to the ECT.

As the temperature of the coolant changes the resistance on the signal wire changes accordingly. The PCM monitors the reading and determines coolant temperature in order to perform essential engine fuel management. When engine coolant is low, sensor resistance is high. The PCM will see a high signal voltage (low temperature). When coolant is warm, the sensor’s resistance is low and the PCM will see a high temperature. The PCM expects to see slow resistance changes on the ECT signal circuit. If it sees a quick change in voltage that isn’t consistent with an engine warming up, this P0116 Lincoln code will set. Or if it sees a lack of change in ECT signal, this code may set.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0116 Lincoln
There may be no noticeable symptoms if the problem is very intermittent, however the following may occur: MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illumination Poor drivability Black smoke at tailpipe Poor fuel economy May not idle May exhibit stalling or misfires

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0116 Lincoln
Potential causes of the P0116 Lincoln code include: Missing or stuck-open thermostat Bad ECT sensor Short or open on signal wire Short or open on ground wire Poor connections in wiring

Possible Solutions

If there are any other ECT sensor codes, diagnose them first. Using a scan tool, check the ECT reading. On a cold engine, it should match the IAT reading or should be equal to ambient (outside) temperature reading. If it does match the IAT or ambient temp, check the freeze frame data on your scan tool (if equipped). The saved data should tell you what the ECT reading was when the fault occurred. A) If the saved info indicates that the engine coolant reading was at the coldest exreme (around -30 deg. F) then that’s a good indication the ECT resistance was intermittently high (unless you live in Anchorage!) Check for an open in the ECT sensor ground and signal circuits and repair as necessary. If they appear okay, warm the engine up while monitoring the ECT for any intermittent jumps high or low. If there are replace the ECT. B) If the saved info indicates that the engine coolant reading was at the warmest exreme (around 250+ deg.F) then that’s a good indication the ECT resistance was intermittently low. Check for a short to ground on the signal circuit and repair as necessary. If it appears okay, warm the engine up while monitoring the ECT for any intermittent jumps high or low. If there are replace the ECT.

Related Codes

P0115 Lincoln P0117 Lincoln P0118 Lincoln P0119 Lincoln P0125 Lincoln P0128 Lincoln


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Lincoln:

2013 Lincoln MKZ,2013 Lincoln MKT,2013 Lincoln MKS,2013 Lincoln MKC,2012 Lincoln MKZ,2011 Lincoln MKX,2010 Lincoln MKZ,2010 Lincoln MKT,2009 Lincoln MKS,2009 Lincoln C Concept,2008 Lincoln MKT Concept,2007 Lincoln Navigator,2007 Lincoln MKZ,2007 Lincoln MKX,2007 Lincoln MKR Concept,2006 Lincoln Zephyr,2006 Lincoln Mark LT,2006 Lincoln MKS Concept,2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept,2004 Lincoln Aviator Concept,2003 Lincoln Town Car,2003 Lincoln Aviator,2001 Lincoln MK9

 

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