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

Description:

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0116 Volvo

Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0116 Volvo 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 Volvo 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 Volvo
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 Volvo
Potential causes of the P0116 Volvo 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 Volvo P0117 Volvo P0118 Volvo P0119 Volvo P0125 Volvo P0128 Volvo


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Volvo:

2013 Volvo V40,2012 Volvo XC60,2011 Volvo XC90,2011 Volvo V60,2011 Volvo S60,2011 Volvo C30,2010 Volvo S80L,2010 Volvo S80,2010 Volvo C70,2010 Volvo C30,2009 Volvo XC60,2009 Volvo V50,2009 Volvo S60,2009 Volvo S40,2009 Volvo C30,2008 Volvo XC70,2008 Volvo V70,2008 Volvo V50,2008 Volvo S40,2007 Volvo V70,2007 Volvo S80,2007 Volvo S60,2007 Volvo C70,2007 Volvo C30,2006 Volvo XC90,2006 Volvo S80,2006 Volvo C70,2005 Volvo V50,2005 Volvo S60,2004 Volvo XC90,2004 Volvo V70,2004 Volvo V50,2004 Volvo V40,2004 Volvo S40,2003 Volvo V70 R,2003 Volvo S80,2003 Volvo S60 R

Note:

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