AutoCodesFord – P1116 2003 Ford F150

P1116 2003 Ford F150 Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range

Quick Answer

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor is a thermistor device in which resistance changes with temperature. Common causes include Low Engine Coolant Level, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor harness is open or shorted. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P1116 2003 Ford F150 indicates Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range.
Common causes
Common causes include Low Engine Coolant Level, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor harness is open or shorted.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 2,296
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 22, 2019
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Code P1116 2003 Ford F150 Description

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor is a thermistor device in which resistance changes with temperature. The electrical resistance of a thermistor decreases as the temperature increases, and the resistance increases as the temperature decreases. The varying resistance changes the voltage drop across the sensor terminals and provides electrical signals to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) corresponding to temperature.
Thermistor-type sensors are considered passive sensors. A passive sensor is connected to a voltage divider network so varying the resistance of the passive sensor causes a variation in total current flow. Voltage that is dropped across a fixed resistor (pull-up resister) in series with the sensor resistor determines the voltage signal at the PCM. This voltage signal is equal to the reference voltage minus the voltage drop across the fixed resistor.
The ECT measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The PCM uses the ECT input for fuel control and for cooling fan control. There are 3 types of ECT sensors; threaded, push-in, and twist-lock. The ECT sensor is located in an engine coolant passage.
OBDII Code P1116 2003 Ford F150 - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range - AutoCodes.com
P1116 2003 Ford F150 Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1116 2003 Ford F150?

  • Low Engine Coolant Level
  • Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
  • Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor electrical circuit poor connection
  • Faulty Engine Coolant Thermostat
  • Damaged Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC P1116 2003 Ford F150?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1116 2003 Ford F150 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P1116 2003 Ford F150 code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1116 2003 Ford F150 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1116 on a 2003 Ford F150?

The common symptoms of code P1116 include issues with the engine's cooling system, such as overheating, erratic temperature readings, and potential loss of power.

2. What does the OBDII code P1116 indicate on a 2003 Ford F150?

Code P1116 indicates that the engine coolant temperature sensor is out of self-test range, signaling a potential malfunction or incorrect readings from the sensor.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1116 on a 2003 Ford F150?

Possible causes of code P1116 include a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor, wiring or connector issues, a malfunctioning cooling system, or a problem with the engine control module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P1116 on my 2003 Ford F150?

Diagnosing code P1116 may involve using a scan tool to check for the exact temperature readings from the coolant sensor, inspecting the sensor and its wiring for damage, and testing the cooling system for proper operation.

5. Can I continue driving my 2003 Ford F150 with OBDII code P1116?

It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with code P1116 as it can lead to potential engine overheating and other serious issues. It's best to address the problem promptly to prevent further damage.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P1116 on a 2003 Ford F150?

Repairing code P1116 may involve replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, ensuring the cooling system is functioning properly, and clearing the code with a scan tool.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code P1116 on a 2003 Ford F150 fix the issue?

Simply resetting the code without addressing the underlying problem will not fix the issue. It's important to diagnose and repair the root cause of code P1116 to prevent it from reoccurring.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P1116 on a 2003 Ford F150?

Depending on your skill level and access to tools, a DIY enthusiast may be able to address code P1116 by following proper diagnostic procedures and replacing the faulty components. However, professional assistance is recommended if unsure.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code P1116 on a 2003 Ford F150?

The cost of repairing code P1116 can vary depending on the cause of the issue, labor rates, and the cost of replacement parts. It's advisable to obtain quotes from auto repair shops for an accurate estimate.

10. Can OBDII code P1116 on a 2003 Ford F150 cause permanent damage if left unresolved?

Ignoring code P1116 can potentially lead to engine overheating, poor performance, and other serious issues that may result in permanent damage to the engine. It's crucial to address the problem promptly to prevent further damage.

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