What is the P0217 fault number? What is the description for the Engine Over Temperature Condition fault code? How do I fix the P0217 fault code What are the causes and symptoms of the P0217 error code?
What is the P0217 Fault code? What does it signify?
A P0217 code means that the engine has overheated and should be stopped as soon possible. The engine coolant sensor is a common feature on most engines. The malfunction code P0217 will be set if the voltage signal from the sensor to the PCM, powertrain control module, exceeds a predetermined limit.
Modern vehicles are equipped with a temperature indicator on the instrument panel. This displays the engine temperature. The overheat condition is usually above 110-120°C, but this may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The temperature indicator lamp is intended to be illuminated before engine damage occurs. Turn off the engine as soon as the temperature indicator lamp turns on or goes dark.
What causes the P0217 Fault code?
The following are the most frequent causes of the P0217 fault code:
- – Coolant leakage due to problems in the radiator, thermostat housing or radiator hoses.
- – Defective engine coolant temperature sensor
- – Broken wires or loose connections to the coolant sensor
- – Defective radiator fan(s)
- Restrictions on the radiator or A/C condenser cooling system
- – A stuck and defective thermostat
- – Defective PCM
What are the symptoms for P0217 Malfunction Codes?
These symptoms may be present if you own a vehicle that has the P0217 code.
- – Illumination for the check engine light
- – An indicator message is displayed indicating reduced engine power for vehicles equipped with fail-safe cooling systems.
- – The engine can be turned off to stop overheating
- – The engine compartment may release steam or smoke
- – Hearing and bubbling sounds from the engine compartment
- Overpressurization can lead to coolant leaks
- Low coolant levels
- Overheating can cause serious engine damage
- – Some vehicles may have their air conditioners disabled in order to reduce the engine heat.
How do I fix the P0217 fault code?
The coolant level should always be checked when the engine is cold. A cold solution to an overheated engine’s coolant chamber is not recommended. This could cause thermal shock which can cause the block crack. Check the coolant level to make sure there are no leaks. Even if the coolant level is not low, it should be checked for restrictions in the A/C condenser and radiator that could block airflow. If the radiator fans are turned on, you should check for unusual noises, which could indicate a bearing failure.
The following repairs may be able to resolve the P0217 fault code:
- – Leakage of coolant; replacement or repair of parts such radiator, thermostat housings radiator hoses heater hoses water pump, cylinder gaskets thermostat cores and heater hoses.
- – Replacing the coolant temp sensor
- – Repair and replacement of cables, connectors that are associated with the coolant temperature sensors
- Repair or replacement of a damaged radiator fan
- – Replacing powertrain control module
Note: The thermostat can be effectively destroyed by an overheated engine. The thermostat should be replaced after overheating.
