Renault P0116 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance Problem

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0116 Renault

Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0116 Renault 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 Renault 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 Renault
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 Renault
Potential causes of the P0116 Renault 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.

Related Codes

P0115 Renault P0117 Renault P0118 Renault P0119 Renault P0125 Renault P0128 Renault


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Renault:

2013 Renault ZOE,2013 Renault Twin-Z Concept,2013 Renault Twin-Run Concept,2013 Renault Talisman,2013 Renault Symbol,2013 Renault Scenic XMOD,2013 Renault Fluence,2013 Renault Espace,2013 Renault Clio,2012 Renault Twingo,2011 Renault Megane,2011 Renault Latitude,2011 Renault Laguna Estate,2011 Renault Laguna,2011 Renault Frendzy Concept,2011 Renault Captur Concept,2010 Renault Scenic,2010 Renault Megane RS,2010 Renault Megane Estate,2010 Renault Grand Scenic,2010 Renault Fluence,2010 Renault DeZir Concept,2010 Renault Clio RS,2009 Renault Twingo RS,2009 Renault Symbol,2009 Renault Scenic,2009 Renault Safrane,2009 Renault Megane,2009 Renault Laguna GT,2009 Renault Laguna Coupe,2009 Renault Koleos,2009 Renault Kangoo,2009 Renault Clio Campus,2009 Renault Clio,2008 Renault ZE Concept,2008 Renault Twingo,2008 Renault Sandero,2008 Renault Laguna Estate,2008 Renault Laguna,2008 Renault Kangoo,2007 Renault Megane,2006 Renault Twingo,2006 Renault Thalia,2006 Renault Nepta Concept,2006 Renault Kangoo,2006 Renault Espace,2006 Renault Clio Sport,2006 Renault Clio RS Concept,2006 Renault Altica Concept,2005 Renault Z17 Concept,2005 Renault Vel Satis,2005 Renault Modus Initiale,2005 Renault Laguna,2005 Renault Clio III,2004 Renault Modus,2004 Renault Megane,2004 Renault Clio,2003 Renault Scenic II,2003 Renault Be Bop

 

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