P0116
PowertrainTemperature Sensormoderate severityECT Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance
What P0116 Means
The ECT sensor reading is not changing appropriately as the engine warms up.
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Poor fuel economy
- Overheating concern
- Fan issues
Common Causes
- Stuck thermostat
- Faulty ECT sensor
- Air pocket in cooling system
- Low coolant
Diagnostic Steps
- Monitor ECT warmup curve
- Test thermostat
- Check for air in system
- Test sensor
Where to start: Replace thermostat or ECT sensor. Bleed cooling system.
🔌 Don't have a code reader?
Any of these will read and clear this code — pick by how deep you want to go.
Budget handheld~$40
ANCEL AD410 →
No-phone-needed handheld — reads, clears, live data, freeze frame.
✓ ANCEL official store
Serious DIY~$100
BlueDriver Pro →
Enhanced codes (ABS, airbag, TPMS) plus repair reports.
SHOP FAVORITEShop-grade tablet~$300
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S →
Bidirectional tests, service resets, all systems.
✓ Autel official store
Pro diagnostics$1,500+
Autel MaxiSys MS906 Pro →
Full-system pro platform — topology mapping, ECU coding, the works.
✓ Autel official store
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Related Codes
Community Confirmed Fixes
No confirmed fixes yet for this code. Be the first to contribute!
Submit a FixFound a Fix for P0116?
Help other technicians by sharing what worked on your vehicle.
Submit Your Fix