Service Information

Cruze

DTC P0217

Diagnostic Instructions

•	Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

•	Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.

•	Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0217 00: Engine Overtemperature

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) controls engine coolant temperature. The thermostat controls coolant flow and regulates the engine operating temperature.

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	The ignition is ON.

•	The engine speed is greater than 1 000 RPM.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects the engine coolant heated thermostat is stuck open for 160 s.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0217 00 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0217 00 is a Type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

•	Test the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor at various temperature levels in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed sensor. A skewed sensor can result in a DTC or a driveability condition. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .

•	The scan tool Desired ECT Sensor and the ECT Sensor parameters should be within 5°C (9°F) when the engine is at operating temperature.

•	A resistance condition in the ECT sensor circuits may cause this DTC. This condition results in a greater voltage on the ECT sensor signal circuit, which is interpreted by the ECM as a colder ECT.

•	The engine coolant thermostat heater has a mechanical fail-safe in case of an electrical condition with the thermostat heater. The mechanical thermostat will open at approximately 104°C (220°F). The mechanical thermostat will cycle from approximately 104°C (220°F) to approximately 98°C (208°F).

Reference Information

Electrical Information Reference

•	Circuit Testing

•	Connector Repairs

•	Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

•	Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Engine running for 60 s. Observe the DTC information with a scan tool. DTC P0217 should not set.
Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the B34 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.
Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 Ω between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECT Sensor is at -40°C (-40°F).

⇒	If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal 1 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

Note: If the fuse in the jumper wire opens, the signal circuit is shorted to a voltage and the sensor may be damaged.

Ignition ON, connect a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 1 and ground. Verify the scan tool ECT Sensor parameter is greater than 136°C (277°F).

⇒	If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

If all circuits test normal, test or replace the B34 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement