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P0116 Fault on 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt: No Start, Battery Drain, and Sensor Issues

Model: Cobalt Fault Code: P0116 Posted: 2015-11-18 22:22

Hi everyone. I own a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and am experiencing significant drivability issues. The car feels sluggish with reduced power, and the check engine light came on. The diagnostic code read P0116 — indicating a problem with either the camshaft or crankshaft position sensor. I first replaced the crankshaft position sensor. After that, the vehicle started and ran smoothly during a test drive. However, the next morning, the battery was completely dead. I installed a new battery, but now the car only cranks — it won't start at all. I then replaced the camshaft position sensor, but the issue persists. The check engine light remains on, though no fault codes are currently displayed. The vehicle shows no signs of starting, and there's no spark or fuel pump sound when attempting to start. I'm concerned about potential internal engine problems or a wiring/grounding issue. Any advice would be greatly appreciated — especially regarding how to perform a crankshaft position sensor relearn procedure if needed. Additional details: The car has a 2.2L engine. I've tried unplugging the coolant temperature sensor (a two-wire sensor typically located in the thermostat housing), but the engine still doesn't respond. I also noticed a strange ticking and thumping noise when cranking, which seems to stop after turning off the key — suggesting possible internal mechanical issues. I'm wondering if this is a sensor-related issue or something more serious like an internal engine failure. Can anyone confirm what steps to take next? Is there a specific scan tool required for relearn procedures? And how do I verify fuel pump operation without a diagnostic tool?

Related fault codes
P0116
Comments (10)
Anonymous 2015-11-19 08:07

P0116 is typically related to coolant temperature or intake air temperature sensor faults. The fact that you've had two batteries replaced suggests there's an electrical drain — check for parasitic draws or faulty components causing battery depletion.

Anonymous 2015-11-19 08:11

Try disconnecting the coolant temperature sensor connector and see if the vehicle starts. After replacing the crankshaft position sensor, did you perform a crankshaft position sensor relearn procedure? This is often required to restore proper engine timing after sensor replacement.

Anonymous 2015-11-20 11:28

I didn't do a relearn procedure. The car still won’t start — no codes appear now, but the check engine light remains on. How can I perform a relearn? Do I need to remove the radiator plug or just unplug the sensor? If it starts after that, does it mean the sensor was faulty and needs replacement?

Anonymous 2015-11-20 19:03

A crankshaft position sensor relearn usually requires an advanced scan tool — if performed correctly, you might see a P0315 code. The coolant temperature sensor is typically a two-wire device connected to the thermostat housing. Check your engine size (2.2L or 2.4L). Locate and unplug the sensor connector. Test for spark and listen for fuel pump operation when the key is turned to 'ON' — it should run for about 2 seconds. Spray carb cleaner into the intake manifold to see if the engine attempts to start or stalls.

Anonymous 2015-11-20 19:33

Thanks! I unplugged the coolant temperature sensor, but the sound was terrible — what exactly did you mean by 'terrible'?

Anonymous 2015-11-20 19:33

Thank you for the help!

Anonymous 2015-11-20 19:36

No, I don’t hear the fuel pump at all — nothing happens when I turn the key to 'ON'.

Anonymous 2015-11-20 22:26

The engine sounds terrible during cranking. Make sure the gas cap is off and have someone turn the key to 'ON' position — you should hear a brief fuel pump run (about 2 seconds). If not, there may be an issue with the fuel system or electrical circuit.

Anonymous 2015-11-21 15:46

The engine makes a ticking sound followed by a thumping noise when cranking. It doesn’t keep running even after I turn off the key — it seems like the engine is getting stuck in some way. This started after the sensor replacements.

Anonymous 2015-11-21 18:19

Replacing filters or sensors won't fix an internal engine problem. I would recommend towing the vehicle to a professional shop for diagnosis. Was this noise present before the no-start issue? How did the situation begin?