AutoCodes – GMC – P116E GMC

P116E GMC 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 GMC 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.

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Code Popularity 425

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 P116E GMC 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 GMC - O2 Pump Current Control Circuit Low Voltage (NOx Sensor 1) - AutoCodes.com — P116E GMC Code - O2 Pump Current Control Circuit Low Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P116E GMC?

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 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 P116E 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 P116E GMC code?

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Information for Specific GMC Models

P116E 2014 GMC Sierra — O2 Pump Current Control Circuit Low Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)
P116E 2015 GMC Sierra — O2 Pump Current Control Circuit Low Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)
P116E 2016 GMC Sierra — O2 Pump Current Control Circuit Low Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)
P116E 2017 GMC Sierra — O2 Pump Current Control Circuit Low Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)
P116E 2018 GMC Sierra — O2 Pump Current Control Circuit Low Voltage (NOx Sensor 1)

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 GMC Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P116E GMC?

- Common symptoms include poor engine performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and the illumination of the Check Engine light.

2. What can cause the OBDII code P116E GMC to trigger?

- The code P116E GMC is typically triggered by a malfunction in the O2 pump current control circuit, specifically low voltage in the NOx Sensor 1.

3. How serious is the O2 Pump Current Control Circuit Low Voltage fault?

- This fault can affect the vehicle's emissions control system and may lead to increased emissions output. While the vehicle may still be drivable, it is recommended to have the issue diagnosed and repaired promptly.

4. Can a faulty oxygen sensor cause code P116E to appear?

- Yes, a faulty NOx Sensor 1, which is an oxygen sensor, can cause the OBDII code P116E GMC to appear due to low voltage in the O2 pump current control circuit.

5. What are some diagnostic steps to address code P116E related to the NOx Sensor 1?

- Diagnostic steps may include checking the wiring and connections related to the NOx Sensor 1, testing the sensor's voltage output, and ensuring the O2 pump current control circuit is functioning properly.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P116E GMC related to the O2 pump current control circuit?

- Repairing code P116E may involve replacing the NOx Sensor 1, repairing any damaged wiring or connections, and resetting the fault code with an OBDII scanner after the repairs.

7. Is it safe to continue driving with the O2 Pump Current Control Circuit Low Voltage fault?

- While the vehicle may still be operational, continued driving with this fault can lead to increased emissions and potential long-term damage to the emissions control system. It is recommended to address the issue as soon as possible.

8. Are there any DIY tips for troubleshooting code P116E GMC?

- DIY troubleshooting tips may include visually inspecting the wiring and connections related to the NOx Sensor 1, checking for any visible damage or corrosion, and ensuring proper sensor operation.

9. Can a malfunctioning catalytic converter trigger code P116E GMC?

- A malfunctioning catalytic converter may indirectly contribute to the triggering of code P116E GMC if it affects the overall efficiency of the emissions control system, leading to issues with the NOx Sensor 1.

10. How can I prevent the recurrence of OBDII code P116E GMC in the future?

- Regular maintenance, including checking and replacing oxygen sensors as recommended, keeping the emissions control system in good condition, and addressing any related issues promptly, can help prevent the recurrence of code P116E in the future.