P0217: Engine overheating

What P0217 means

The engine temperature sensor has read a value above the limit set by the manufacturer. An engine that runs too hot can warp the cylinder head or blow the head gasket, both expensive repairs. Some cars cut power or switch off the air conditioning to protect themselves.

Most common causes

• Low coolant level from a leaking hose, radiator or water pump
• Thermostat stuck closed
• Radiator fan not coming on (fuse, relay or fan motor)
• Radiator blocked inside or clogged with dirt outside
• Failed water pump
• Engine temperature sensor reading too high

Symptoms

• Temperature gauge in the high zone or temperature warning light on
• Loss of power or limp mode
• Steam or a sweet smell from under the bonnet
• Heater blowing cold with a hot engine

Can you drive with P0217?

Better not Do not keep driving: pull over somewhere safe and switch off the engine. Driving on while it overheats can ruin the head gasket or the engine itself in a short time.

How to check it

Compare the live engine temperature on the reader with the dashboard gauge. Once the engine has cooled, check the level in the coolant expansion tank; never open it hot, as the coolant is under pressure and can scald.

How to read and clear P0217 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0217 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

• P0205 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 5
• P0206 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 6
• P0207 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 7
• P0208 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 8
• P0218 Transmission overheating
• P0219 Engine overspeed condition
• P0220 Throttle or pedal position sensor B circuit malfunction
• P0221 Throttle or pedal position sensor B range or performance problem
• P0200 Injector circuit malfunction
• P0201 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 1
• P0202 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 2
• P0203 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 3

P0217 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on BMW, Ford, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Volkswagen. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.