P0217 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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The P0217 fault code would mean that the engine is or has been overheated and it should be turned off instantly. A lot of engines have an engine coolant temperature sensor that would send a voltage reading to the powertrain control module which would convert that into a temperature. If this temperature would exceed a certain limit which is set by the vehicle’s manufacturer, then the check engine light would start illuminating and the P0217 fault code would be stored in.

The error code P0217 can be described as engine over temperature condition and engine overheat condition. It means that the car engine is or was overheating and it should be turned off as soon as possible. This would happen when the engine coolant is excessively high or is under a normal speed of engine.

What causes this problem with Engine Over Temperature Condition?

• Low coolant due to leak in cooling system
• Restriction/debris in the A/C condenser or radiator
• Restriction/debris in the cooling system
• Thermostat stuck might be closed or faulty
• The cooling fan might be inoperative
• Cylinder head gasket leaking combustion into cooling system
• Overloaded trailer towing
• The water pump might be damaged or broken

1. Coolant Temperature Sensor - A faulty Coolant Temperature Sensor can be troublesome. You can always rely on us as we have best auto parts for our customers.
2. A/C Condenser - If everything is alright with Coolant Temperature Sensor, then there is surely some defect in A/C condenser. Get it replaced before the situation gets worse.
3. Thermostat - P0217 code can display due to some issues in the Thermostat. So, it is very important to replace the Thermostat with us at equitable prices.
4. Cooling Fan - Do you remember when was the last time you got your car Cooling fan checked up? A damaged Cooling fan can cause a lot of issues like displaying P0217 code.
5. Cylinder Head Gasket - Poor Cylinder head gasket can cause a lot of difficulties, so why not get it replaced at time?
6. Fuel Pump - There can be some issues with the Fuel pump due to which you may see P0217 code appearing over and over again. Visit us to buy best quality Water pump online.

It is vital to know the symptoms of an issue as only then you would be able to solve the problem. So that’s why we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD Code P0217 here:

Common Symptoms

• There can be loss of power
• The coolant might be low
• Engine shut off to prevent severe damage caused by overheating
• Expelled coolant from radiator or reservoir
• Coolant may explode all around the cooling system if the system has been over pressurized
• Steam or smoke may come out from the engine compartment
• Loud boiling sounds can start coming out of the engine bay
• The air conditioner might be broken

Looking out for some ways with the help of which you can correct this fault code? Then have a look below:

• You should repair coolant leaks; repair problematic parts that are leaking, especially the radiator, radiator hoses, heater hoses, thermostat, thermostat housing, water pump, head gasket or heater core.
• The coolant temperature sensor might be repaired
• Repair or replace faulty wiring associated with coolant temperature sensor
• The wiring associated with faulty electric cooling fan should be properly repaired
• Repair damaged fan clutch or electric cooling fan
• Run high pressure coolant flush on the vehicle
• The powertrain control module should be replaced

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You must follow these steps mentioned below to diagnose this fault code:

• The engine is equipped with a temperature sensor which is usually a two or three-wire variable resistance sensor which provides the powertrain control module with data
• The sensor has a voltage wire which is typically it is a 5-volt reference signal and a ground wire
• The powertrain control module would use the reference voltage wire to monitor engine temperature
• As engine temperature increases, sensor resistance would start decreasing and reference voltage would increase
• Now when the engine is cool, sensor resistance is high, driving reference voltage to the powertrain control module would decrease
• The powertrain control module receives input reference voltage readings as variations in engine temperature and reacts accordingly
• If engine temperature is excessive, a code is stored and a service engine soon lamp is illuminated. Any vehicle, in which the engine has excessively overheated, should undergo a thorough diagnosis of the engine cooling system before any repairs are performed
• In most cases this diagnosis should include a pre-emptive chemical block test
• A special application device is used in this test to capture steam from the engine cooling system where a chemical agent reacts to any hydrocarbons found therein
• By testing for hydrocarbons in the engine cooling system, the technician can make sure that the replacement of such components as the thermostat, water pump, coolant hoses, heater core, or radiator will effectively repair the overheating condition by ruling out block and cylinder head (or cylinder head gasket) damage
• After the possibility of a faulty engine block or cylinder head has been eliminated, correcting the problem can be a simple as using a cooling system pressure tester to locate a coolant leak, and then repairing it
• If you find out that there are no coolant leaks, then you should suspect the thermostat, cooling fan, or radiator (circulation). If the engine appears to be in good working order and doesn’t appear to be overheating, suspect a faulty engine temperature sensor
• A scanner or code reader, a digital volt ohmmeter, and access to a manufacturer’s wiring schematic will be necessary to successfully diagnose this fault code
• Begin your diagnosis with a visual inspection of all wiring and connectors
• Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, shorted, or corroded wiring, connectors, and components as necessary
• Make sure that you always retest the system after repairs are completed to ensure success. If all system wiring, connectors, and components (Including fuses) appear to be in normal working order, connect the scanner (or code reader) to the diagnostic connector and record all stored codes and freeze frame data
• This information can be extremely helpful in diagnosing intermittent conditions that may have contributed to this code being stored
• After the codes are cleared, operate the vehicle to see if the code returns
• If the code fails to immediately return, you may have an intermittent condition
• Intermittent conditions can prove to be quite a challenge to diagnose and in extreme cases may have to be allowed to worsen before a correct diagnosis can be made. Continue by unplugging the electrical connector from the engine coolant temperature sensor and testing for reference voltage
• This is usually 5-volts but consult your manufacturer’s service manual to be sure
• If there is a 5-volt signal present with the ignition turned to the run position, then check the sensor ground wire
• If both the reference signal and the ground signal are present, test the sensor resistance using the manufacturer’s temperature to resistance chart
• Compare your findings to the manufacturer’s specifications and replace the sensor if it fails to comply. If the sensor and voltage at the sensor are within acceptable specifications, disconnect the PCM electrical connector and test circuit continuity and resistance between the sensor and the PCM
• Repair or replace system circuitry and components as required and retest the system. Should all system circuitry and sensors check out, suspect a faulty PCM but keep in mind that powertrain control module failure is very rare and its replacement will require reprogramming.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0217 Code

The most common misdiagnosis made while performing engine cooling system repairs relates to a rushed diagnosis and repair attempt. Typically, leaking cooling system components are replaced without first testing the entire cooling system. This can result in an outlay of funds that may result in disappointment. The ability to carefully strategize a plan of action for any vehicle repair (or circumstance) depends upon a complete diagnosis.