OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Engine Overtemp Condition

What does that mean?

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles. Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model.

Having this code in memory means your vehicle is equipped with an engine overtemp indicator light that will illuminate in the event of an overheat condition. Most modern vehicles are also equipped with a temperature gauge but some aren’t.

An overheat condition is usually anything above 240-250 deg. F (will vary according to manufacturer) in the cooling system. The overtemp light is designed to illuminate before engine damage occurs but shutting the engine down as soon as possible should be your first priority.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0217 DTC may include:

MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) illumination

Loss of power

Coolant expelled from reservoir or radiator

Low coolant

Acrid smell of coolant due to leak

Air conditioner inoperative (In the event of an overheat condition, the PCM (powertrain control module) on some vehicles shuts down the A/C system to reduce load on the engine).

Causes

Potential causes of a P0217 code include:

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 closed or faulty

Inoperative cooling fan(s)

Cylinder head gasket leaking combustion into cooling system

Overloaded trailer towing

Faulty water pump (impeller broken/damaged)

Possible Solutions

Start by checking the coolant level ON A COLD ENGINE. It’s never a good idea to check the coolant on a hot or overheated engine. Also, putting cold water in an overheated, empty cooling system causes thermal shock and isn’t a good idea.

If you find your cooling system is low on coolant and you have a P0217 stored, inspect the system for leaks and repair as necessary. Then change the thermostat (see note below) and after refilling the cooling system, restart the engine and verify it isn’t overheating. Be aware that it’s possible for an overheated engine to expel the coolant out of the radiator cap to protect the cooling system from over-pressurization. If you can’t locate a leak, this may be the reason.

Follow the steps below to check the performance of the cooling system. If the coolant level is normal, check the radiator and A/C condenser for any type of restriction that could impede airflow. This step may require removing the radiator and visually inspecting it outside of the vehicle. Check in between the radiator and the condenser for restriction or debris. Make sure all the plastic panels that direct airflow into the radiator are in place. If you have access to a scan tool, check the cooling fans for operation or abnormal noise indicating a bearing failure. Look down into the radiator tank (if possible) and observe the condition. Is there a lot of buildup that may restrict coolant flow? If so, replace the radiator.

If you don’t notice any apparent problems, and the vehicle continues to overheat, feel the upper radiator hose. Is it hot, indicating that the coolant is flowing freely? If not, the water pump impeller may be damaged or broken causing a no-flow condition. If the water pump appears to be working properly, the thermostat may be faulty. Replace it and re-check. If after the above checks, you still have problems with overheating and coolant being expelled from the system, you may have combustion gasses leaking into the cooling system. This would require a combustion gas leak-test on the cooling system. If you have a P0217 but the vehicle isn’t overheating, there may be a faulty coolant temperature sender.

Note: An overheated engine can effectively ruin the thermostat. So it’s always best to replace the thermostat after an overheat condition. If you don’t you may successfully repair the original cause of the overheat but still have an overheat condition due to the damaged thermostat.