Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance
The DURAMAX-P0116 (Duramax) diesel fault code means: Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance. This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, with caution
- DIY difficulty
- intermediate
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What Are the Symptoms of DURAMAX-P0116?
- Check Engine Light on
- Possible reduced power or rough running
- Possible hard starting
What Causes DURAMAX-P0116? (Most Likely First)
- Sensor reading incorrectly High
- Wiring or connector fault Moderate
- A real fault in the system the sensor measures Moderate
- Shared sensor reference voltage problem Low
Can I Still Drive with DURAMAX-P0116?
Yes, with caution. DURAMAX-P0116 is rated moderate severity. Keep trips short and get it diagnosed soon rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0116 mean on a Duramax?
P0116 means Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance. The engine coolant temperature sensor is reporting, but its reading does not make sense against what the engine computer expects from other inputs.
Is P0116 a Duramax-specific code?
No. P0116 is a generic OBD-II code defined by SAE J2012, so it means the same thing on any vehicle that sets it. The exact conditions GM uses to set it on its diesels are in GM service information.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
How Do You Diagnose DURAMAX-P0116?
Inspect the engine coolant temperature sensor connector and harness.
Compare the engine coolant temperature sensor reading with the other sensors and with operating conditions on a scan tool.
Check for other codes that share the same sensor reference voltage or ground.
Sources 1
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines P0116 as a generic OBD-II code)
P0116 on Other Platforms
The same code ID appears across other engines, vehicles, and equipment. Diagnostic flow varies by platform — see the matching breakdown:
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