AutoCodes – Lincoln – P1116 Lincoln

P1116 Lincoln Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is 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 Lincoln indicates Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is 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 3,150

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 22, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P1116 Lincoln 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 Lincoln - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is Out of Self-Test Range - AutoCodes.com — P1116 Lincoln Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is Out of Self-Test Range

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1116 Lincoln?

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 Lincoln?

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.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Start by checking for coolant leaks, if there are not leaks the thermostat might be stuck open or closed and may need to be replaced, you still have an issue the engine coolant temp sensor or cylinder head temp sensor. The engine coolant temperature must be greater than 10Â°C (50Â°F) to pass the key ON engine OFF (KOEO) self-test and greater than 82Â°C (180Â°F) to pass the key ON engine running (KOER) self-test.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1116 Lincoln 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.

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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.