U0117 code meaning
Lost Communication With PTO Control Module
What U0117 means
U0117 points to a lost link with the power take-off (PTO) control module, which engages and governs an engine-driven output for auxiliary equipment such as a tipper body, aerial bucket or recovery winch. CARB defines such a PTO unit and lets the engine controller pause monitor counters while it runs, so dependable PTO status on the bus matters for OBD bookkeeping. Saab's 2011 9-5 and 9-4X U-code lists, both taken over from GM's global electrical architecture, carry the code as loss of the power take-off control module; neither these nor any other maker's documents give timing or lamp rules. U0465 stands for invalid PTO data, P064B for a PTO module fault. For the operator the attached equipment cannot be engaged or its engine-speed control drops out.
U0117 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0117
- PTO cannot be engaged or disengages
- Elevated idle or remote engine speed control unavailable
- Warning message in the cluster
Common causes of U0117
- Most likelyFaulty upfitter wiring or connector between chassis and PTO controller
- PossiblePTO module without power or ground
- PossibleVehicle configuration expects a PTO module that is missing or not programmed
- Less likelyPTO control module internally faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Pto control moduleCAN bus wiring
What each part of U0117 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 17 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0117 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 U0117
What does U0117 mean?
U0117 means "Lost Communication With PTO Control Module". U0117 points to a lost link with the power take-off (PTO) control module, which engages and governs an engine-driven output for auxiliary equipment such as a tipper body, aerial bucket or recovery winch. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0117?
U0117 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0117 fail an emissions test?
U0117 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is U0117 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0117 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.