P0217: Engine overheating
The ECU has detected that the engine went above its safe operating temperature. Common causes are low coolant, the thermostat or the cooling fan.
| Code | P0217 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P02xx, Fuel and injectors |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | Better not |
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.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
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 its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
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 an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0213 The cold start 1 injector is not working properly
- P0214 The cold start 2 injector is not working properly
- P0215 The engine lock solenoid is not working properly
- P0216 The injection timing control has an electrical fault
- P0218 Transmission overheating
- P0219 Engine overspeed condition
- P021A The cylinder 7 injection timing is not working properly
- P021B The cylinder 8 injection timing is not working properly
- P0200 Injector circuit malfunction
- P0201 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 1
- P0202 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 2
- P0203 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 3
To understand it properly
We explain how that system works, with drawings and no waffle, in our mechanics guide: Cooling.
What does code P0217 mean?
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.
Can you drive with P0217?
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 do you clear P0217?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0217 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
