OBD-II · Engine and powertrain (P)
P0116
Engine coolant temperature range/performance
What it means
Coolant temperature behavior does not match warm-up expectations.
Symptoms
- temperature gauge rises slowly or reads wrong
- poor heater output
- higher fuel consumption
- engine warning light
Likely causes, most likely first
| No. | Cause |
|---|---|
| 01 | thermostat stuck open |
| 02 | faulty coolant sensor |
| 03 | low coolant |
| 04 | air pocket |
| 05 | cooling fan stuck on |
What to check, step by step
- 01Check the coolant level and bleed any air from the system
- 02Watch the coolant temperature during a warm-up drive: a slow rise that stops well below operating temperature points to a thermostat stuck open
- 03Compare the sensor reading with an infrared thermometer at the thermostat housing
- 04Check that the cooling fan is not running on a cold engine
- 05Replace the thermostat or sensor as indicated