Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesDiagnose my car
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. P0116
P0116ModeratePowertrain

P0116: How to Diagnose & Fix — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance

15 vehicles · 10 makes · $30-$2,000 repair

Share:@au7o.io

How to diagnose and fix P0116: most-reported vehicles

Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.

Peugeot 206 · 2000–2012

Community reported
85 owners
Link to this issueError Codes:P0116P0217

The TU-series engines in the 206 are prone to head gasket failure, particularly when the cooling system is neglected. Overheating episodes accelerate gasket deterioration, leading to coolant-oil mixing and white exhaust smoke.

Common Symptoms

  • White exhaust smoke
  • Coolant loss without visible leak
  • Oil-coolant emulsion on dipstick
  • Overheating

How to Fix

Replace the head gasket, machine the cylinder head surface if warped, and flush the cooling system. Inspect and replace the thermostat and water pump preventatively.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • TU3JP 1.4 8V head-gasket set and head-bolt package

    Confirm VIN, engine code, gasket thickness/application and current bolt procedure.

    Lymm Engine Parts
  • TBK4983WP TU3 timing-belt and water-pump kit

    Confirm VIN and engine/DAM configuration.

    Midland Autocare
  • TU5JP4 NFU 1.6 16V head-gasket set and head bolts

    Confirm VIN, production/engine number and required gasket specification.

    eBay UK
  • Gates KP15581XS or KP25581XS TU5JP4 belt and water-pump kit

    Peugeot 206 1.6 NFU TU5JP4; KP15581XS to engine 1806404 and KP25581XS from engine 1806405. Confirm VIN/engine number before choosing.

    Partservice

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$600 - $1,200
Sources for this issue (1)
  • https://www.peugeotforums.com/

Research This Issue

Based on 85 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence85 owner reports

Renault Clio · 2012–2026

Community reported
60 owners
Link to this issueError Codes:P0116P0217

The TCe turbocharged engines develop coolant leaks from the turbocharger coolant lines and the thermostat housing. The plastic coolant connectors become brittle with age and heat exposure, causing seepage and eventual failure.

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant loss
  • Sweet smell from engine bay
  • Low coolant warning
  • Overheating risk

How to Fix

Replace the turbo coolant lines with updated metal fittings where available. Replace the thermostat housing assembly. Pressure test the cooling system after repair to verify no further leaks.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $600
Sources for this issue (1)
  • https://www.renaultforums.co.uk/

Research This Issue

Based on 60 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence60 owner reports

Citroen DS3 · 2010–2019

Community reported
55 owners
Link to this issueError Codes:P0116P0217

The DS3 electric water pump fails prematurely, causing coolant circulation loss and engine overheating. The pump impeller can also degrade, reducing flow rate without complete failure. This is a common EP6/THP engine issue.

Common Symptoms

  • Engine overheating
  • Low coolant warning
  • No cabin heat
  • Coolant temperature fluctuation

How to Fix

Replace the electric water pump with the updated revision part. Check the thermostat operation and coolant condition. Flush the cooling system and refill with the correct antifreeze specification.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine PSA 1201J8 electric auxiliary coolant pump

    replace a command-tested failed electric auxiliary coolant circulation pump on an applicable THP configuration Fitment/availability: Citroen DS3 auxiliary electric coolant-pump branch only when VIN/OE matches 1201 H9, 1201 J8, 1201 N1 or…

    EuroFrance24

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $700

Research This Issue

Based on 55 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence55 owner reports

Chevrolet Cobalt · 2005–2010

Link to this issueError Codes:P0128P0116P0118

On the 2.2L/2.4L Ecotec the thermostat is integrated into a plastic housing on the back side of the engine facing the firewall, and the water pump sits behind the timing cover on the passenger side. Both are recurring leak points. The rear thermostat housing seal hardens and the housing itself corrodes and seeps, and because the leak is tucked against the firewall the coolant evaporates on the hot block instead of dripping — so owners chase a steadily dropping reservoir with no puddle in the driveway, a complaint that appears over and over on the Cobalt forums. The water pump leaks at its gasket toward the passenger side, and because it is timing-chain driven, a leaking pump can wash the front of the engine and contaminate the chain area. A slow leak that runs the car low leads to overheating and, on the Ecotec, a warped or cracked head.

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant reservoir slowly drops with no visible puddle
  • Sweet coolant smell after driving
  • White crust or dried residue at the back of the engine near the firewall
  • Temperature gauge climbing or heater blowing cold
  • Overheat warning in traffic

How to Fix

Pressure-test the cooling system cold at about 15 psi and inspect the back of the engine with a light and mirror while it holds pressure — that is where the thermostat housing lives and where the leak hides. Replace the thermostat housing as an assembly with a new seal rather than reusing a corroded housing. If the leak is on the passenger side near the timing cover, the water pump and its gasket are the likely source; replace the pump with an OE-quality unit and refill with the correct Dex-Cool. After repair, burp the system properly — the Ecotec traps air and an unbled system overheats and mimics the original fault. If you find oil in the coolant reservoir, stop and test for head gasket failure before spending money on the pump.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $600
Sources for this issue (3)
  • Leaking coolant "but no sign where" — Chevy Cobalt Forumforum
  • Coolant / Thermostat Problems — Chevy Cobalt Forumforum
  • Coolant Leak — Chevy Cobalt Forumforum

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

Chevrolet Trax · 2024–2024

Link to this issueError Codes:P0324P0116

GM issued urgent dealer message DCS6982 on August 14, 2024 covering 2024 vehicles with the 1.2L gasoline engine - Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer, Buick Encore GX and Envista. The engine control module may fail to properly control ignition timing following certain Auto Engine Stop/Start restart events. When that happens the malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the engine runs rough or audibly knocks; GM's own bulletin warns that continuing to drive with the knock present can cause engine damage. The matching service bulletin, 24-NA-064, directs technicians to reprogram the ECM when the MIL is set with DTC P0324 (knock control system error) and/or P0116 (engine coolant temperature sensor performance). Because detonation on a small-displacement turbo three is exactly the loading that hurts rod bearings, this is worth chasing promptly rather than living with.

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light after an Auto Stop/Start restart
  • Audible engine knock or detonation rattle
  • Rough running after the engine auto-restarts
  • Hesitation pulling away from a stop

How to Fix

Free remedy - the dealer reprograms the Engine Control Module with updated calibration; no parts are required. Reference GM message DCS6982 and bulletin 24-NA-064 when booking. If the knock persists after the reflash, insist on a borescope and an oil-analysis/bearing inspection rather than accepting 'normal three-cylinder noise'. In the interim you can reduce exposure by switching Auto Stop/Start off at each start and running top-tier 87-octane or better fuel.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $200
Sources for this issue (2)
  • General Motors DCS6982 - Urgent dealer message, 1.2L ignition timing after Auto Stop/Start (NHTSA document)tsb
  • 2024 Chevrolet Trax TSBs - 24-NA-064, MIL with DTC P0324/P0116, ECM reprogrammingtsb

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

Find P0116 by make

Browse every documented model and issue for your make.

Audi · 2 issuesChevrolet · 2 issuesCitroen · 1 issueJaguar · 1 issueMINI · 1 issuePeugeot · 1 issueRenault · 1 issueSEAT · 1 issueToyota · 1 issueVolkswagen · 4 issues

P0116 code reference

General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.

Frequently asked questions

What does P0116 mean?

P0116 stands for "Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance." P0116 means the engine control module detected an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor reading that is within wiring limits but doesn't make sense — for example, it doesn't rise as the engine warms up, or it disagrees with other temperature data. The ECT sensor reports coolant temperature, which the computer uses for fuel mixture, ignition timing, cooling-fan control, and emissions monitors. An implausible reading can cause poor fuel economy, hard cold starts, or failed emissions readiness. It is generally drivable but should be fixed for proper engine management.

What are the most common causes of P0116?

The most common causes of P0116 are: Faulty or drifting engine coolant temperature sensor, Stuck-open thermostat (engine never reaches normal temp), Low coolant level or air in the cooling system, Wiring or connector resistance affecting the signal, Sensor reading inconsistent with intake-air temperature at cold start, Corroded sensor connector, PCM fault (less common). The specific cause varies by vehicle.

How much does it cost to fix P0116?

Repair costs for P0116 range from $30 to $2,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.

Which vehicles are affected by P0116?

Au7o has documented P0116 across 15 vehicle models from 10 manufacturers: Audi, Chevrolet, Citroen, Jaguar, MINI, Peugeot, Renault, SEAT, Toyota, Volkswagen.

Related codes

  • P0117 · Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
  • P0118 · Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit High
  • P0020 · Camshaft Position 'A' Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
  • P0034 · Turbocharger/Supercharger Bypass Valve Control Circuit Low
  • P0035 · Turbocharger/Supercharger Bypass Valve Control Circuit High
  • P003A · Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control 'A' Position Exceeded Learning Limit
  • P0045 · Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control Solenoid Circuit/Open
  • P0046 · Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control 'A' Circuit Range/Performance
🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get notified about P0116 fixes
We add new causes, fixes and affected vehicles for P0116 regularly — drop your email and we'll keep you posted. You can also diagnose your own car free.

Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.

Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.

© 2026 Au7o. All rights reserved.