Diagnostic Aids
Check for any of the following conditions:
- Check for the proper operation of the engine cooling system, including the correct coolant level.
- A faulty thermostat that stays open slightly can cause a DTC P0116 to set in cold weather when the vehicle is started and let sit while warming up.
- Check for a faulty electrical connection to the ECM.
An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a fault in the ECT sensor electrical circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and components for an intermittent condition.
Repair any electrical circuit faults that were found.
If a DTC P0116 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful in determining the vehicle operating conditions when the DTC was first set.