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

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0116 Chrysler

Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance

What does this mean?

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


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Chrysler:

2013 Chrysler Town and Country S,2013 Chrysler 300 Motown Edition,2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier,2012 Chrysler Ypsilon,2012 Chrysler Delta,2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8,2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series,2012 Chrysler 300C,2011 Chrysler Town and Country,2011 Chrysler 300,2011 Chrysler 200 S,2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible,2011 Chrysler 200,2009 Chrysler GEM Peapod,2009 Chrysler 200C EV Concept,2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept,2008 Chrysler Town and Country,2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible,2008 Chrysler EV Concept,2008 Chrysler 300C UK Version,2008 Chrysler 300C Touring UK Version,2008 Chrysler 300C Touring SRT UK Version,2008 Chrysler 300C SRT UK Version,2007 Chrysler Sebring UK Version,2007 Chrysler Sebring,2007 Chrysler Pacifica,2007 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway,2007 Chrysler Nassau Concept,2007 Chrysler Crossfire UK Version,2007 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster UK Version,2007 Chrysler Aspen,2006 Chrysler Imperial Concept,2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Touring,2006 Chrysler 300C Heritage Edition,2005 Chrysler Town and Country,2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible,2005 Chrysler Firepower Concept,2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 Roadster,2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT6,2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster,2005 Chrysler Akino Concept,2005 Chrysler 300C Touring,2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8,2005 Chrysler 300C,2005 Chrysler 300,2004 Chrysler Pacifica,2004 Chrysler ME FourTwelve Concept,2004 Chrysler Crossfire,2003 Chrysler Airflite Concept,2003 Chrysler 300M,2003 Chrysler 300C Touring Concept,2003 Chrysler 300C Concept,2002 Chrysler Pacifica Concept,2002 Chrysler California Cruiser Concept

 

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