Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
DTC P0116: Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range / Performance Problem: Procedure
- CHECK FOR ANY OTHER DTCS OUTPUT (IN ADDITION TO DTC P0116)
- Connect the Techstream to the DLC3.
- Turn the ignition switch to ON.
- Turn the Techstream on.
- Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine / Trouble Codes.
- Read the DTCs.RESULT
Result Proceed to P0116 is output A P0116 and other DTCs are output B HINT:
If any DTCs other than P0116 are output, perform troubleshooting for those DTCs first.
B → See step 4
A: Go to next step
- INSPECT THERMOSTAT
- Remove the thermostat. Refer to REMOVAL .
- Measure the valve opening temperature of the thermostat.
Standard opening temperature
80 to 84°C (176 to 183°F)
HINT:
In addition to the above check, confirm that the valve is completely closed when the temperature is below the standard range.
- Reinstall the thermostat. Refer to INSTALLATION .
NG → See step 5
OK → See step 3
- REPLACE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR. Refer to REMOVAL
- GO TO DTC CHART. Refer to DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE CHART
- REPLACE THERMOSTAT. Refer to REMOVAL
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.