Can I drive with P0116?

Yes, but drive carefully and get it checked soon. The engine cannot verify if operating temperature is reached, affecting fuel trim and cooling fans.

What does P0116 mean?

P0116 stands for Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance Problem.

Symptoms you may notice

• Cabin heater blows lukewarm or cool air in cold weather
• Dashboard temperature gauge stays near cold or fluctuates
• Radiator cooling fans running at high speed continuously
• Decreased gas mileage due to prolonged engine warm-up

How much does it cost to fix?

Repair costs for code P0116 depend on the specific underlying root cause, ranging from simple DIY checks to component replacement. The table below lists the most common causes and rough price ranges in USD:

• Faulty engine thermostat stuck open
  $50-$180 common
• Degraded Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
  $40-$120 common
• Low engine coolant level or air pocket
  $20-$60 possible
• Corroded wiring harness plug
  $30-$80 rare

What to do next

1. Check coolant level in the expansion tank when the engine is fully cold.
2. Feel upper and lower radiator hoses during warm-up to test thermostat operation.
3. Check live ECT sensor data using an OBD2 scan tool.

Related codes

About this code

Code P0116 is set when the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor reading changes erratically or fails to rise at the expected rate after starting. The engine uses coolant temperature to control cold-start fuel enrichment, ignition timing, and radiator fan relays. Driving long term with this code can lower gas mileage and prevent emissions readiness monitors from completing.