Description
OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0116 Pontiac
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance
What does this mean?
OBD2 Code P0116 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac
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 Pontiac
Potential causes of the P0116 Pontiac 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 Pontiac:
2010 Pontiac G8,2009 Pontiac G8,2009 Pontiac G6 ,2009 Pontiac G3,2008 Pontiac G8,2007 Pontiac Solstice SD-290 Concept,2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP,2007 Pontiac G6 GXP Show Car,2006 Pontiac Torrent,2006 Pontiac Solstice,2006 Pontiac Montana SV6,2006 Pontiac GTO,2006 Pontiac G6 GTP Coupe,2006 Pontiac G6 GTP Convertible,2005 Pontiac Vibe GT,2005 Pontiac Montana SV6,2005 Pontiac Grand Prix,2005 Pontiac Grand Am GT Coupe,2005 Pontiac GTO,2005 Pontiac G6 GT,2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP,2004 Pontiac Grand Am GXP,2004 Pontiac GTO 5.7,2004 Pontiac GTO,2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP,2004 Pontiac Aztek Rally,2003 Pontiac Vibe GT,2003 Pontiac Vibe,2003 Pontiac Sunfire Coupe,2003 Pontiac Montana Thunder,2003 Pontiac Grand Prix,2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE Sedan,2003 Pontiac G6 Concept,2003 Pontiac Aztek,2002 Pontiac Sunfire GXP,2002 Pontiac Sunfire American Tuner,2002 Pontiac Solstice Concept,2002 Pontiac REV Concept,2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP,2002 Pontiac Grand Prix G-Force Concept,2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Edition,2001 Pontiac Vibe GT,2001 Pontiac Vibe,2001 Pontiac Sunfire HO,2001 Pontiac Sunfire Accessorized,2001 Pontiac Montana,2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
Note:
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