AutoCodesGMC – P116E 2015 GMC Sierra

P116E 2015 GMC Sierra Code - O2 Pump Current Control Circuit Low 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
P116E 2015 GMC Sierra indicates O2 Pump Current Control Circuit Low 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 201
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 24, 2024
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Code P116E 2015 GMC Sierra 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 P116E 2015 GMC Sierra - O2 Pump Current Control Circuit Low Voltage (NOx Sensor 1) - AutoCodes.com
P116E 2015 GMC Sierra Code - O2 Pump Current Control Circuit Low Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P116E 2015 GMC Sierra?

  • 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 P116E 2015 GMC Sierra?

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 P116E 2015 GMC Sierra 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 P116E 2015 GMC Sierra 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 P116E 2015 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code P116E mean on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

The P116E code indicates a problem with the O2 Pump Current Control Circuit for NOx Sensor 1, specifically low voltage being detected.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P116E code in a GMC Sierra?

Symptoms may include a check engine light, reduced fuel efficiency, rough idling, poor engine performance, or the vehicle entering limp mode.

3. What causes the P116E code to appear on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Common causes include a faulty NOx sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, a failed ECM, or an exhaust system issue affecting sensor operation.

4. Can I drive my 2015 GMC Sierra with a P116E code?

While the vehicle may still run, driving with a P116E code can lead to reduced performance and potential long-term damage to the emissions system. It’s best to address the issue promptly.

5. How do I diagnose the P116E code on my GMC Sierra?

Start by inspecting the wiring and connectors for the NOx sensor, checking for damage or corrosion. Next, test the sensor itself and the circuit with a multimeter, and verify ECM function.

6. How do I fix the P116E code on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Repairs may include replacing the faulty NOx sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming/updating the ECM if necessary.

7. How much does it cost to repair a P116E code on a GMC Sierra?

Costs can vary depending on the repair, but replacing a NOx sensor typically ranges from $300 to $600, including parts and labor.

8. Can a dirty or clogged exhaust system trigger the P116E code?

Yes, a clogged exhaust system can affect the operation of the NOx sensor and may contribute to the P116E code.

9. Is the P116E code covered under warranty for a 2015 GMC Sierra?

It depends on your vehicle's warranty. Emissions-related components like the NOx sensor may be covered under the emissions warranty, so check with your dealer.

10. Will clearing the P116E code fix the problem permanently?

Clearing the code with a scan tool will only temporarily turn off the check engine light. If the underlying issue isn’t fixed, the code will return.

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