Conditions for Setting the DTC
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 GMC Yukon XL, 2006 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The start-up ECT is more than the start-up IAT by 100°C (180°F).
OR
If the start-up ECT is more than the start-up IAT by 15°C (27°F), then the vehicle must be driven for more than 400 seconds over 24 km/h (15 mph). If the IAT sensor temperature decreases more than 8°C (14°F), a block heater is detected and the test is aborted. If the IAT sensor temperature does not decrease, a block heater was not detected and DTC P0116 sets.