Description
OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0116 Buick
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance
What does this mean?
OBD2 Code P0116 Buick 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 Buick 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 Buick
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 Buick
Potential causes of the P0116 Buick 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.
The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Buick
2013 Buick Verano Turbo,2013 Buick Riviera Concept,2013 Buick Encore,2013 Buick Enclave,2012 Buick Verano,2012 Buick Regal GS,2011 Buick Regal,2011 Buick LaCrosse GL Concept,2011 Buick GL8,2011 Buick Envision Concept,2010 Buick Regal GS Concept,2010 Buick LaCrosse,2009 Buick Business Concept,2008 Buick Lucerne Super,2008 Buick LaCrosse Super,2008 Buick LaCrosse CXS,2008 Buick Invicta Concept,2008 Buick Enclave,2007 Buick Riviera Concept Coupe,2006 Buick Terraza,2006 Buick Rendezvous CXL,2006 Buick Rainier CXL,2006 Buick Lucerne CXS,2006 Buick Enclave Concept,2005 Buick Terraza CXL,2005 Buick Royaum,2005 Buick Rendezvous CX,2005 Buick Park Avenue,2005 Buick LeSabre Celebration Edition,2005 Buick LaCrosse CXS,2005 Buick LaCrosse CSX,2005 Buick Century,2004 Buick Velite Concept,2004 Buick Rendezvous Ultra,2004 Buick Regal Abboud GS,2004 Buick Rainier,2004 Buick Park Avenue Ultra,2003 Buick Rendezvous,2003 Buick Park Avenue Ultra,2002 Buick Rendezvous,2002 Buick Regal,2002 Buick LeSabre Custom,2001 Buick Regal,2001 Buick Park Avenue Ultra,2001 Buick Park Avenue,2001 Buick LeSabre,2001 Buick Blackhawk Concept,2001 Buick 2-2 Bengal Roadster Concept,2000 Buick Regal GNX Show Car,2000 Buick Regal Cielo Concept,2000 Buick Regal,2000 Buick Park Avenue,2000 Buick LeSabre Limited,2000 Buick Century
Note:
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