How much does it cost to fix P0116?

Typical repair cost is $80–$300.

P0116 — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Range/Performance

Medium Severity · Cooling

OBD-II code P0116 means your vehicle's ECU detected: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Range/Performance. Below: causes, step-by-step fixes, and repair cost — free, no signup needed.

Drivable short-term but schedule a diagnosis soon. Prolonged driving can worsen the issue.

Typical Repair Cost

$80–$300

Parts + labor, national average

Severity

Medium

Schedule repair soon

🔍

Common Causes of P0116

Failing ECT sensor
Air pocket in cooling system
Low coolant

🔧

How to Fix Code P0116

Check coolant level and bleed system

Replace ECT sensor

❓

FAQ — Code P0116

What does OBD-II code P0116 mean?

P0116 means your vehicle's onboard computer detected: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Range/Performance. This is a medium-severity code in the Cooling category.

How much does it cost to fix code P0116?

Typical repair cost for P0116 is $80–$300 including parts and labor. Costs vary by vehicle make, model, and location. A free scan at AutoZone or O'Reilly is a good first step.

Can I drive my car with code P0116?

Code P0116 is generally safe for short trips, but have it diagnosed soon to prevent the problem from worsening.

What are the most common causes of P0116?

The most common causes are: Failing ECT sensor, Air pocket in cooling system, Low coolant. Always start with the cheapest diagnosis step before replacing parts.

Will code P0116 clear itself?

Code P0116 will clear itself after the underlying issue is fixed and the ECU completes several successful drive cycles. Clearing it without fixing the root cause only masks the problem temporarily.

Is P0116 showing on your car?

Enter your VIN for a free vehicle-specific report — recalls, specs, and market value. No signup required.

🔗

Related Cooling Codes

P0115Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit P0117ECT Sensor Low Voltage P0118ECT Sensor High Voltage P0125Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Closed...P0128Coolant Thermostat — Temperature Below...P0480Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit...

OBD-II code data is based on SAE J2012 standards and general repair industry data. Repair costs are national averages and vary by vehicle, location, and shop. Always consult a qualified mechanic for a diagnosis specific to your vehicle.