AutoCodes – GMC – P111E GMC

P111E GMC Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Not Plausible

Quick Answer

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. Common causes include Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. 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: P111E GMC indicates Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Not Plausible.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 2,910

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 30, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P111E GMC Description

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The Engine Control Module (ECM) supplies 5V to the ECT sensor signal circuit and a ground for the low reference circuit.
The purpose of this diagnostic is to determine if the input from the ECT sensor is skewed warmer or colder than the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor and Radiator Coolant Temperature (RCT) sensor. The internal clock of the ECM will record the amount of time the engine is OFF. If the required engine OFF time is met at start-up, the ECM will compare temperatures between the ECT, IAT, and RCT sensors.
If the ECM detects that the temperature difference between the ECT, IAT, and RCT sensors is not within an acceptable operating range, the ECM will continue to run this diagnostic to determine if a block heater was active during the engine OFF time. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set if the ECM detects that there is a temperature difference between the start-up Engine Coolant Temperature sensor, Intake Air Temperature sensor, and the Radiator Coolant Temperature (RCT) sensor.

OBDII Code P111E GMC - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Not Plausible - AutoCodes.com — P111E GMC Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Not Plausible

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P111E GMC?

Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P111E GMC?

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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P111E GMC 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 P111E GMC code?

Need more information on how to fix the P111E GMC code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P111E GMC code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific GMC Models

P111E 2014 GMC Sierra — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Not Plausible
P111E 2015 GMC Sierra — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Not Plausible
P111E 2016 GMC Sierra — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Not Plausible
P111E 2017 GMC Sierra — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Not Plausible
P111E 2018 GMC Sierra — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Not Plausible

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 P111E GMC Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P111E in a GMC vehicle?

- Common symptoms include inaccurate temperature gauge readings, engine overheating, poor fuel efficiency, and potential stalling or rough idling.

2. What could cause the OBDII code P111E to trigger in a GMC vehicle?

- Possible causes include a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor, wiring issues, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a problem with the cooling system.

3. How can I diagnose the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Not Plausible error code in my GMC?

- You can use an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, visually inspect the sensor and its wiring for damage, and perform a resistance test on the sensor to check its functionality.

4. Is it safe to continue driving with the P111E trouble code in a GMC vehicle?

- It is not recommended to drive with this code as it can lead to engine damage due to overheating or incorrect temperature readings affecting the vehicle's performance.

5. What are some repair tips for addressing the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Not Plausible code?

- Start by checking and replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor if necessary, inspecting and repairing any damaged wiring, testing the thermostat, and ensuring the cooling system is functioning properly.

6. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the P111E code issue in a GMC or is professional assistance required?

- While some basic troubleshooting and sensor replacement can be done by DIY enthusiasts, complex wiring issues or cooling system problems may require professional diagnosis and repair.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Not Plausible code in a GMC vehicle?

- The cost can vary depending on the root cause of the issue, but replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor alone can range from $50 to $150, excluding labor charges.

8. Will resetting the OBDII code P111E in a GMC vehicle make the issue go away permanently?

- Simply resetting the code without addressing the underlying problem will not fix the issue permanently; it is crucial to diagnose and repair the root cause to prevent the code from reoccurring.

9. Are there any preventive measures to avoid the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Not Plausible trouble code in a GMC?

- Regular maintenance, such as checking coolant levels, inspecting the cooling system for leaks, and timely replacing the coolant temperature sensor, can help prevent this code from appearing.

10. Can a malfunctioning engine coolant temperature sensor cause other problems besides triggering the P111E code in a GMC?

- Yes, a faulty sensor can impact the engine's performance, fuel efficiency, emission levels, and overall reliability, making it essential to address such issues promptly.