P0116 fault code: what it means

P0116: Coolant temperature reading does not match what the engine computer expects, often slow to warm up.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Minor

Usual causes, most likely first

1. thermostat stuck open
2. drifting coolant temperature sensor
3. low coolant level
4. air in the cooling system

What the repair usually costs

• Coolant flush and refill (car)NZ$150–NZ$290 · A$150–A$290
• Coolant flush and refill (SUV / ute / 4WD)NZ$220–NZ$450 · A$220–A$440
• Coolant flush and refill (European)NZ$240–NZ$520 · A$240–A$510

Not sure what P0116 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.