You can drive it a day or two before it resets because
DTC P0116 is a Type B DTC. Which means this DTC runs only once a drive cycle . Where as a type A DTC runs continuous.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
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The control module detects a temperature difference between the ECT sensor and the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor of more than 100°C (180°F) at start-up.
OR
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The control module detects a temperature difference between the ECT sensor and the IAT sensor of more than 15°C (27°F) and the time elapsed cranking the engine without starting is more than 5 seconds.
OR
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The control module detects a temperature difference between the ECT sensor and the IAT sensor of more than 15°C (27°F). The vehicle must then be driven for 5 minutes over 40 km/h (25 mph). If the IAT sensor temperature decreases more than 5°C (9°F), an engine block heater was detected and the test is aborted. If the IAT sensor temperature does not decrease, an engine block heater was not detected and DTC P0116 will set.
Diagnostic Aids
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Inspect the ECT sensor terminals for corrosion and for engine coolant leaking through the sensor. Engine coolant that is leaking through the sensor will create a high resistance short to ground. This condition results in less voltage on the ECT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a warmer ECT.
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An IAT sensor that is skewed colder at various ambient temperatures due to greater resistance than is normal will increase the range between these two sensors. Measure and record the resistance of the IAT sensor at various ambient temperatures, then compare those measurements to the Temperature vs Resistance table. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .
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A slight to moderate resistance in the IAT sensor signal circuit or low reference circuit will increase the range between these two sensors. This condition results in a greater voltage on the IAT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a colder IAT.
Circuit/System Verification
- Turn OFF the ignition.
- Inspect the cooling system surge tank for the proper coolant level. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing and Cooling System Draining and Filling .
- If the ignition has been OFF for 8 hours or more, the ECT and the IAT should be within 15°C (27°F) of each other and also the ambient temperature. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF, and use a scan tool to observe the IAT and the ECT sensor parameters.
- Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.
Circuit/System Testing
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ECT sensor.
- Ignition OFF for 90 seconds, test for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal A and ground.
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If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
- Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECT parameter is less than -39°C (-38°F).
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If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal B for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
- Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal B and the low reference circuit terminal A. Verify the scan tool ECT parameter is greater than 149°C (300°F).
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If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
- If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ECT sensor.
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