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

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0116 Lexus

Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance

What does this mean?

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


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Lexus:

2013 Lexus RX 450h F Sport,2013 Lexus RX 450h,2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport,2013 Lexus RX 350,2013 Lexus LX 570,2013 Lexus LS EU-Version,2013 Lexus LS 600h L,2013 Lexus LS 460 F Sport,2013 Lexus LS 460,2013 Lexus LF-NX Concept,2013 Lexus GS 450h F Sport,2013 Lexus GS 450h,2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport,2013 Lexus GS 350,2013 Lexus GS 250,2013 Lexus ES 300h,2013 Lexus ES350,2012 Lexus LF-LC Concept,2012 Lexus LF-CC Concept,2011 Lexus LFA,2011 Lexus LF-Gh Concept,2011 Lexus IS 350 F Sport,2011 Lexus IS 350,2011 Lexus CT 200h,2010 Lexus SC 430,2010 Lexus RX 450h,2010 Lexus RX 350,2010 Lexus LS 600h,2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport,2010 Lexus LS 460 L,2010 Lexus IS250C,2010 Lexus HS 250h,2010 Lexus GX 460,2010 Lexus GS 460,2010 Lexus GS 450h,2010 Lexus GS 350,2010 Lexus ES 350,2009 Lexus SC430,2009 Lexus LS,2009 Lexus LS460,2009 Lexus LF-Ch,2009 Lexus IS 350,2009 Lexus GX 470,2009 Lexus GS 460,2009 Lexus GS 450h,2009 Lexus GS 350,2008 Lexus LX 570,2008 Lexus LS 600h L,2007 Lexus LS,2007 Lexus LF,2006 Lexus SC,2006 Lexus IS350,2006 Lexus GS,2005 Lexus RX400h,2005 Lexus LFA Concept,2005 Lexus ES330,2004 Lexus RX330,2004 Lexus LS430

 

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