3rd gen P0116 thermostat? Cap?

[TXRick]

So it's starting to get relatively cold down here in Texas. For the past couple of weeks my temp gauge has sat between the 1/4 and 1/2 marks. Below freezing the last couple of days and it wouldn't move past 1/4. I commute maybe 20 mins and dismissed it to not having time to warm up. Today I'm at idle in the parking lot and freaking check engine light comes on. I was just thinking the other day...she sure is purring along great...jinx. P0116 temperature stuff. I also noticed my tailpipe dripping a good amour of water. Drastic temp/humidity change after a 10 min drive maybe?

Coolant full, flushed and new a couple months ago. Just replaced the ETC a few weeks ago, put a different radiator cap on, Airaid jr...buddy said thermostat was stuck open not letting the coolant warm up.

What yall think?

 

[jgue467]

yeah either thermo or its wiring to/from ecu. :cowboy:

 

[ltsr]

Your theory could be true. I drive around with an ultragauge so I see what my coolant temp is at all times. It's cheap nowadays to get an OBD2 reader with functionality for monitoring. Maybe try that to see what the coolant level actually is to see if your theory is right.

or a bluetooth obd2 reader, something like this: https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-34t5-Bluetooth-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS

and download the Torque app if you have Android or iPhone to pair it.

Just as a point of reference, the last week or so has been fairly chilly here (high 30s and low 40s) in the morning. My truck will reach 160 degrees in about 5 minutes or 1.5 miles on the initial drive. You say your commute is 20 minutes, which has plenty of time for the thermostat to open.

Another thing to check if the coolant sensor itself.