What does code P0117 mean?

P0117 — Low input from Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor. ECM thinks the engine is running at 140°C and activates cooling aggressively. Belongs to the powertrain.coolant system. Severity: warning.

What are the common causes of P0117?

Break in ECT signal wire; Wire shorted to ground; Failed ECT sensor — typical after 100–150K km; Corroded connector — oil, road salt exposure; Damaged wire insulation

Can I drive with code P0117?

Limited: reaching the nearest workshop is fine, but avoid long trips. May progress into a more serious fault.

How do I diagnose P0117?

Read the code and freeze-frame with a scanner, check related-system errors, inspect the components listed (wiring, connectors, sensors). See the "How to diagnose" section above for the full step-by-step.

How do I clear code P0117?

The code can be cleared via an OBD-II scanner (e.g. ELM327 + the Car Diagnostics app): plug the adapter into the OBD port, go to Errors → Clear. If the underlying cause isn't fixed, the code will return within a few drive cycles.

OBD-II Code P0117 — Car Diagnostics Platform

What it means

Common causes

Break in ECT signal wire
Wire shorted to ground
Failed ECT sensor — typical after 100–150K km
Corroded connector — oil, road salt exposure
Damaged wire insulation
Vehicle may have two temp sensors — identify which one is faulting

How to diagnose

01
Read all stored and pending codes with an OBD-II adapter — get the full picture, not just the one code.
02
Capture freeze-frame data (RPM, coolant temperature, engine load) at the exact moment the code triggered.
03
Inspect the named subsystem with our app's AI explanation — get vehicle-specific causes for your make, model and year.

Decode P0117 on your actual car

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