AutoCodes – Buick – P116C Buick

P116C Buick Code - O2 Signal Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)

Quick Answer

The Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) sensors are part of the selective catalytic reduction system, a device used to reduce NOx emission on diesel engines. Common causes include Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor harness is open or shorted, Nitrogen Oxides 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: P116C Buick indicates O2 Signal Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1).
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor harness is open or shorted, Nitrogen Oxides 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.

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Code Popularity 369

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 29, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P116C Buick Description

The Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) sensors are part of the selective catalytic reduction system, a device used to reduce NOx emission on diesel engines. There are two NOx sensors, one placed upstream of selective catalytic reduction, to measure inlet NOx concentration, and one placed downstream. They are connected with the control module via CAN and all the information is exchanged through it. Since it is a smart sensor, all the electrical monitoring is performed inside the sensor and only the results are sent to the Engine Control Module (ECM). Each NOx sensor contains a sensing cell, a pumping cell, and a heater. A sample of exhaust gas passes through a diffusion gap between the sensing cell and the pumping cell. The NOx sensor maintains a constant reference voltage across the sensing cell. An electronic circuit within sensor controls the pump current through the pumping cell in order to maintain a constant voltage in the sensing cell. The amount of current required to maintain the reference voltage in the sensing cell is proportional to the concentration of NOx in the exhaust. The ECM varies the amount of diesel exhaust fluid (reductant) added by varying the reductant injector duty cycle in response to changes in engine exhaust NOx levels. The smart NOx sensors consist of two components, the NOx module and the NOx sensor element that are serviced as a unit. A circuit or performance condition with a NOx sensor is detected by the NOx sensor module. The smart NOx sensor module communicates the condition to the ECM over the serial data line. The ECM sets a DTC when a serial data message is received from the NOx sensor module. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set if the ECM software detects a fault in the NOx sensor circuitry or a performance fault in the NOx sensor for greater than 2 s.

OBDII Code P116C Buick - O2 Signal Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1) - AutoCodes.com — P116C Buick Code - O2 Signal Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P116C Buick?

Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor
Nitrogen Oxides Sensor harness is open or shorted
Nitrogen Oxides Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P116C Buick?

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 P116C Buick 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P116C Buick Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P116C in a Buick related to the O2 Signal Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)?

- Common symptoms include poor engine performance, decreased fuel efficiency, rough idling, and potentially an illuminated check engine light.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P116C in a Buick indicating the O2 Signal Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)?

- Possible causes can include a faulty NOx sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the O2 sensor circuit, a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM), or issues with the exhaust system.

3. How can I diagnose OBDII code P116C in my Buick related to the O2 Signal Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)?

- Diagnosis typically involves using an OBDII scanner to read the code, inspecting the NOx sensor and its wiring for damage, and testing the sensor's voltage output.

4. Can driving with an unresolved P116C OBDII code in a Buick be harmful?

- Continuing to drive with this code unresolved can potentially lead to increased emissions, reduced fuel efficiency, and further damage to the vehicle's emissions control system.

5. Is it possible to repair OBDII code P116C in a Buick related to the O2 Signal Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1) without professional help?

- While some DIY enthusiasts may attempt to address this issue, it is recommended to seek professional help to accurately diagnose and repair the underlying cause of the code.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P116C in a Buick indicating the O2 Signal Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the code, but it may involve replacing the NOx sensor, repairing wiring issues, or reprogramming the ECM, with costs ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

7. Can a faulty NOx sensor cause other OBDII codes to appear in a Buick?

- Yes, a malfunctioning NOx sensor can sometimes trigger related codes such as P116B (O2 Signal Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 3) or P116D (O2 Signal Circuit High Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1).

8. Are there any preventive maintenance steps to avoid encountering OBDII code P116C in a Buick related to the O2 Signal Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)?

- Regularly inspecting the vehicle's emissions system, ensuring proper engine maintenance, and promptly addressing any related warning signs can help prevent issues leading to this code.

9. Can resetting the check engine light clear the OBDII code P116C in a Buick linked to the O2 Signal Circuit High Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)?

- Resetting the check engine light may temporarily clear the code, but it will likely reappear if the underlying issue causing the code is not addressed.

10. How long can I safely drive with OBDII code P116C in a Buick before getting it repaired?

- It is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential damage to the vehicle and ensure optimal performance. Driving with this code unresolved for an extended period is not advisable.