OBD Guide
ENFRDEESPT

P0116

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance

P0116 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance. Common causes: coolant temperature sensor malfunction, damaged or corroded sensor connector. Estimated repair cost: $17–89.

Severity
⚠️ Medium
Can you drive?
Limited driving only, diagnose soon
Approx. repair cost
$17–89 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Unstable engine operation at idle
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Difficulty starting the engine, especially when cold
  • Cooling fan is not working properly
  • Black smoke from the exhaust pipe
  • Check Engine Light Is On
  • Unstable temperature on the dashboard

Causes

  • Coolant temperature sensor malfunction
  • Damaged or corroded sensor connector
  • Open or short circuit in sensor wiring
  • Low coolant level
  • Air lock in the cooling system
  • Thermostat malfunction
  • Contamination or corrosion of sensor contacts
  • Engine ECU malfunction

How to Fix

  1. Check the coolant level and add if necessary
  2. Inspect the sensor connector for corrosion and damage.
  3. Clean the connector contacts and treat them with contact lubricant.
  4. Check the sensor resistance with a multimeter (should change with temperature)
  5. Check the wiring from the sensor to the ECU for breaks
  6. Check the operation of the thermostat and remove air pockets
  7. If necessary, replace the temperature sensor
  8. Clear error codes and test drive

Related codes

P0117P0118P0125P0128P0115

Error P0116 by Vehicle Brand

AcuraAudiBAICBMWBYDBuickCadillacChanganCheryChevroletChryslerCitroenDodgeDongfengExeedFAWFordForthingFotonGACGMGMCGeelyGreat WallHavalHondaHongqiHyundaiInfinitiJACJaecooJaguarJeepJetourKaiyiKiaLadaLexusLi AutoLifanLincolnLivanMazdaMercedes-BenzMercuryMitsubishiNIONissanOldsmobileOmodaOpelPeugeotPlymouthPontiacRenaultSWMSaturnSkodaSkywellSubaruSuzukiTankToyotaVolkswagenVolvoVoyahXPengZeekrZotye

FAQ

What does the P0116 code mean?

P0116 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance

What causes a P0116 error code?

The most common causes of P0116 include: Coolant temperature sensor malfunction; Damaged or corroded sensor connector; Open or short circuit in sensor wiring; Low coolant level.

How do I fix a P0116 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix P0116: Check the coolant level and add if necessary. Inspect the sensor connector for corrosion and damage.. Clean the connector contacts and treat them with contact lubricant.. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with P0116?

Limited driving only, diagnose soon

How much does it cost to fix P0116?

The estimated repair cost for P0116 is $17–89. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

FRDEESPT

See also: Russian version · NationStat