Conditions for Setting the DTC

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2008 GMC Yukon XL, 2008 GMC Yukon, 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2008 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The ECM detects a temperature difference at power-up that indicates that the ECT sensor is 30°C (54°F) more than the IAT sensor.
OR
The ECM detects a temperature difference at power-up that indicates that the ECT sensor is 10°C (18°F) more than the IAT sensor, and the time spent cranking the engine is more than 10 seconds, when the fuel level is more than 5 percent.
OR
With the power-up IAT more than -7°C (+19°F), the ECM detects a temperature difference at power-up that indicates that the ECT sensor is 20°C (36°F) more than the IAT sensor. Then the vehicle must be driven for more than 6 minutes and 40 seconds at more than 40 km/h (25 mph). If the IAT sensor then decreases more than 4°C (7°F), an engine block heater was detected and the test is aborted. If the IAT sensor does not decrease, an engine block heater was not detected and DTC P0116 will set.