P017E code meaning
Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P017E 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. P017E covers intermittent interruptions or an erratic signal. The VW group explicitly uses it for 'open circuit or loose contact', not only for jumps: on Audi and Bentley V8 engines moisture inside sender G407 after O-ring damage makes it fail intermittently, and an improved part has been introduced. Loose contacts and wires broken by heat or engine movement are other causes. The detection logic is not public.
P017E at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P017E
- Check engine light on
- Intermittent coolant or overheating warning
- Temperature gauge jumps
- Radiator fan intermittently loud
Common causes of P017E
- Most likelyMoisture inside the sensor (O-ring)
- Most likelyLoose contact at connector or pin
- PossibleWire broken by engine movement or heat
- Less likelySensor faulty internally
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 P017E 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. |
| 7E | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P017E 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 P017E
What does P017E mean?
P017E means "Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent/Erratic". 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 P017E?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P017E the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P017E fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P017E 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 P017E to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P017E clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.