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

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0116 Cadillac

Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0116 Cadillac 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 Cadillac 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 Cadillac
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 Cadillac
Potential causes of the P0116 Cadillac 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 Cadillac P0117 Cadillac P0118 Cadillac P0119 Cadillac P0125 Cadillac P0128 Cadillac


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Cadillac

2013 Cadillac XTS,2013 Cadillac Elmiraj Concept,2013 Cadillac ATS,2012 Cadillac SRX,2011 Cadillac Ciel Concept,2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe,2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon,2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car,2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe,2011 Cadillac CTS-V Black Diamond Edition,2010 Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept,2010 Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept,2010 Cadillac SRX,2010 Cadillac SLS,2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon,2010 Cadillac Aera Concept,2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine,2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid,2009 Cadillac Converj Concept,2009 Cadillac CTS-V,2008 Cadillac STS,2008 Cadillac Provoq Concept,2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum,2008 Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept,2008 Cadillac CTS,2008 Cadillac BLS Wagon,2007 Cadillac SRX European Version,2007 Cadillac SLS,2007 Cadillac Escalade European Version,2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT,2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV,2007 Cadillac Escalade,2007 Cadillac BLS Sport,2006 Cadillac XLR Star Black Limited Edition,2006 Cadillac XLRV,2006 Cadillac STSV,2006 Cadillac SRX,2006 Cadillac Escalade ESVe Limousine,2006 Cadillac DTS Limousine,2006 Cadillac DTS,2006 Cadillac CTS,2006 Cadillac BLS,2005 Cadillac XLR Euro,2005 Cadillac STS SAE 100,2005 Cadillac STS Euro,2005 Cadillac STS,2005 Cadillac SRX Euro,2005 Cadillac SRX,2005 Cadillac CTS Euro,2005 Cadillac CTS-V Euro,2005 Cadillac BLS Show Car,2004 Cadillac XLR,2004 Cadillac Seville SLS,2004 Cadillac SRX,2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum,2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Executive Edition,2004 Cadillac DeVille Armored,2004 Cadillac CTSV Race Car,2004 Cadillac CTSV,2004 Cadillac CTS,2003 Cadillac Sixteen Concept,2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT,2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV,2003 Cadillac CTSV with Accessories,2003 Cadillac CTS,2002 Cadillac Vizon Concept,2002 Cadillac Seville STS,2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT,2002 Cadillac Escalade,2002 Cadillac DeVille,2002 Cadillac Cien Concept,2001 Cadillac Seville,2001 Cadillac Eldorado,2001 Cadillac DeVille Presidential Limousine,2001 Cadillac DeVille DTS,2000 Cadillac Seville STS,2000 Cadillac Imaj Concept,2000 Cadillac Escalade,2000 Cadillac Eldorado ETC,2000 Cadillac DeVille

 

Note:

1. The list of automotive Makes at the right edge of the screen. The currently selected ODB-ii codes is for the Cadillac makes.

2. Look up the other OBD II Trouble Codes, please use the search box. Enter the 5 character trouble codes in the search box and submit the search.

3. Don’t assume a particular OBD-II code means the same for other auto manufacturers as there are many makes specific codes in use.

4. If your OBD-II trouble codes are for a different car, select that vehicle series before searching for the diagnostic codes because not all OBD2 codes used by one manufacture are used by the other makes.

5. The information contained on this site is presented for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any actions you take on your vehicle. If you have any doubt as to repairs on your vehicle, please contact your technician.