Description
OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0116 Volkswagen
Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance
What does this mean?
OBD2 Code P0116 Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen
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 Volkswagen
Potential causes of the P0116 Volkswagen 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.
The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Volkswagen:
2013 Volkswagen e-Co-Motion Concept,2013 Volkswagen Up 4-door,2013 Volkswagen Up,2013 Volkswagen Touareg Edition X,2013 Volkswagen Scirocco GTS,2013 Volkswagen Santana,2013 Volkswagen Polo R WRC,2013 Volkswagen Polo BlueGT,2013 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack,2013 Volkswagen Lavida,2013 Volkswagen Kombi Last Edition,2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid,2013 Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept,2013 Volkswagen Golf Plus Life,2013 Volkswagen Golf Mk VII UK-Version,2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet,2013 Volkswagen Golf,2013 Volkswagen Gol 2-door,2013 Volkswagen Eco Up,2013 Volkswagen Caddy Cross,2012 Volkswagen Tiguan,2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI,2012 Volkswagen Beetle,2011 Volkswagen eT Concept,2011 Volkswagen e-Up Concept,2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept,2011 Volkswagen Touran,2011 Volkswagen Touareg,2011 Volkswagen Sharan,2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI,2011 Volkswagen Phaeton,2011 Volkswagen Jetta,2011 Volkswagen Eos,2011 Volkswagen CrossTouran,2011 Volkswagen CrossPolo,2011 Volkswagen CrossGolf,2011 Volkswagen Amarok,2010 Volkswagen Polo,2010 Volkswagen Golf,2009 Volkswagen Phaeton,2009 Volkswagen Golf,2009 Volkswagen Gol,2008 Volkswagen Phaeton,2008 Volkswagen Golf Variant,2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept,2008 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion,2007 Volkswagen Up Concept,2007 Volkswagen Touran,2007 Volkswagen Touareg,2007 Volkswagen Eos,2006 Volkswagen Rabbit,2006 Volkswagen Passat,2006 Volkswagen Jetta,2006 Volkswagen Eos,2006 Volkswagen CrossPolo,2005 Volkswagen Touareg,2005 Volkswagen Golf,2005 Volkswagen Fox,2004 Volkswagen RaceTouareg,2004 Volkswagen Golf,2004 Volkswagen Concept T,2004 Volkswagen Concept C,2003 Volkswagen Touran,2003 Volkswagen Passat
Note:
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