Circuit/System Description: P0116

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6, 2006 Chevrolet Uplander, and 2006 Buick Terraza. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The control module supplies 5 volts to the signal circuit and a ground for the ECT low reference circuit. When the ECT is low, the sensor resistance is high. When the ECT is high, the sensor resistance is low. The control module uses this High Side Coolant Rationality test to determine if the ECT input is skewed high. The internal clock of the control module will record the amount of time the ignition is OFF. At restart, the control module will compare the temperature difference between the ECT and the intake air temperature (IAT). Before failing this test, the control module will perform a calculation to determine the presence of an engine block heater. If the control module detects that the temperature difference between the ECT and the IAT is not within the calibrated range after the ignition OFF time, DTC P0116 sets.