P0317 code meaning
Rough Road Hardware Not Present
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0317 means
Misfire detection works from crankshaft speed fluctuations, which rough roads also cause. CARB therefore allows misfire detection to pause on rough roads; many engines take a rough-road signal from the wheel speeds of the ABS module, a Ford patent describes such a detector. P0317 means the engine module is calibrated for an external rough-road signal but does not find the hardware: the supplying module does not respond on the data bus, or the configuration does not match the equipment – for example after replacing the engine or ABS module. Without the signal misfire detection cannot separate road bumps from misfires. No manufacturer document using P0317 was found; the description follows CARB and GM's rough-road sources in its misfire monitor.
P0317 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0317
- Warning light (manufacturer-dependent)
- Misfire readiness not set
- Possibly false misfire codes on rough roads
Common causes of P0317
- Most likelyModule configuration does not match the equipment (after engine or ABS module replacement)
- PossibleABS/ESP module not responding (supply, CAN line)
- Less likelySeparate rough-road sensor missing or unplugged, where fitted
- Less likelyEngine module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
ABS moduleEngine control moduleCAN bus
What each part of P0317 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 17 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0317 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 P0317
What does P0317 mean?
P0317 means "Rough Road Hardware Not Present". Misfire detection works from crankshaft speed fluctuations, which rough roads also cause. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0317?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0317 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0317 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 P0317 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0317 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.