P017D code meaning
Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor A Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P017D means
The cylinder head temperature sensor A is an NTC thermistor that measures the temperature of the cylinder head metal or of the coolant in the head. Some Ford engines use it instead of a coolant temperature sensor and calculate a coolant value from it; VW group V8 gasoline engines use it as sender G407. CARB requires such sensors to be monitored like the coolant sensor. P017D means the signal voltage is too high – the sensor or wire is open or shorted to voltage, and the control module would read an implausibly cold head. Ford's published summaries flag this under its own code P1289 above 4.96 V for 5 s, but a 2019 bulletin for the F-150 and Mustang 5.0 litre names P1289 and/or P017D and replaces the sensor – so at least that calibration also sets the generic code. GM lists P017D only as an exclusion condition in its diesel software. The engine uses substitute values; the radiator fan typically runs constantly.
P017D at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.7 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P017D
- Check engine light on
- Temperature gauge cold or missing
- Radiator fan runs constantly
- Cold-start or idle problems possible
Common causes of P017D
- Most likelySensor faulty (series fault on Ford 5.0 litre 2019)
- Most likelyConnector unplugged or corroded, wire open
- Less likelySignal wire shorted to voltage
- Less likelyEngine control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cylinder head temperature sensorSensor wiringCooling system
What each part of P017D means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 7D | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P017D and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P017D
What does P017D mean?
P017D means "Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor A Circuit High". The cylinder head temperature sensor A is an NTC thermistor that measures the temperature of the cylinder head metal or of the coolant in the head. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P017D?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P017D the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P017D fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P017D is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P017D to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.7 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P017D clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.