P0116 – BMW DTC

BMW DTC P0116 – Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance

DTC P0116 meaning on BMW

DTC P0116 on a BMW indicates an issue with the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 1 Circuit. This diagnostic trouble code is triggered when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects that the signal from the ECT sensor is outside the expected range or is not performing within the specified parameters.

BMW DTC P0116 symptoms

Symptoms of a DTC P0116 on a BMW may include:

• Check Engine Light illuminated on the dashboard
• Inaccurate temperature gauge readings
• Poor fuel economy
• Engine overheating or running too cold

BMW DTC P0116 causes

Common causes of a DTC P0116 on a BMW include:

• Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
• Wiring or connector issues in the ECT sensor circuit
• ECM software or hardware problems

BMW DTC P0116 seriousness

While a DTC P0116 may not cause immediate drivability issues, it is important to address this problem promptly to prevent potential engine damage or inefficient operation. Ignoring this code could lead to poor performance and increased fuel consumption.

How to diagnose DTC P0116 on BMW

To diagnose a DTC P0116 on a BMW, you can perform the following steps:

1. Use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the fault code and freeze frame data
2. Inspect the ECT sensor and its wiring for any visible damage or corrosion
3. Check the resistance of the ECT sensor using a multimeter
4. Verify the ECT sensor readings with a scan tool while monitoring engine temperature

How to fix DTC P0116 on BMW

To fix a DTC P0116 on a BMW, you can try the following solutions:

1. Replace the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor if it is faulty
2. Repair any damaged wiring or connectors in the ECT sensor circuit
3. Clear the fault code and reset the ECM by using an OBD-II scanner
4. Perform a test drive to ensure the issue has been resolved

How to erase DTC P0116 on BMW

To erase a DTC P0116 on a BMW, follow these steps:

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port
2. Select the option to clear the fault codes from the ECM
3. Wait for the scanner to confirm that the DTC P0116 has been successfully erased
4. Turn off the ignition and restart the vehicle to ensure the code has been cleared

Recommended tools & DTC Scanners for BMW

Best Diagnostic App for modern BMWs: BimmerLink

Recommended Bluetooth adapter for Bimmerlink: OBDLink CX

Cable adapter for Bimmerlink: Enet Cable USB Type C

For older BMWs we recommend: Autel AutoLink AL319 (2024 version)

Easy-to-use Multimeter for reliable diagnostics: AstroAI Auto-ranging Multimeter

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