Description
OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0116 Acura
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance
What does this mean?
OBD2 Code P0116 Acura 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 Acura 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 Acura
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 Acura
Potential causes of the P0116 Acura 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 Acura:
2014 Acura RLX,2014 Acura MDX,2013 Acura SUV-X Concept,2013 Acura RDX,2013 Acura NSX Concept,2013 Acura MDX Concept,2013 Acura ILX Endurance Racer,2013 Acura ILX,2012 Acura TL,2012 Acura RLX Concept,2012 Acura NSX Concept,2012 Acura ILX Street Build Concept,2012 Acura ILX Concept,2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon,2011 Acura TSX Sedan,2010 Acura ZDX,2010 Acura TSX V6,2010 Acura RDX,2010 Acura MDX,2009 Acura ZDX Concept,2009 Acura TSX,2009 Acura TL,2009 Acura RL,2007 Acura TSX,2007 Acura TL Type-S,2007 Acura TL,2007 Acura RDX,2007 Acura MDX,2007 Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept,2006 Acura RDX Prototype,2006 Acura MD-X Concept,2006 Acura Advanced Sedan Concept,2005 Acura TSX A-Spec Concept,2005 Acura TSX,2005 Acura TL,2005 Acura RSX Type-S,2005 Acura RSX A-Spec Concept,2005 Acura RSX,2005 Acura RL with ASPEC Performance Package,2005 Acura RL ASPEC Concept,2005 Acura RL,2005 Acura RDX Concept,2005 Acura NSX,2005 Acura MDX,2004 Acura TL with ASPEC Performance Package,2004 Acura TL 25 Hours of Thunderhill,2004 Acura RL Prototype,2004 Acura 3.2 TL,2003 Acura TL ASPEC Concept,2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S,2002 Acura NSX sketches,2001 Acura NSX-T,2001 Acura Integra
Note:
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