P0117 OBD-II code — what it means and what to check

ℹ Guidance only — not a substitute for inspection

Enter the trouble codes from your scanner to see what each one means, how urgent it is, and which checks to do first.

← Open the full OBD-II Code Interpreter

Your trouble codes

Enter the codes exactly as your scanner shows them. Separate several codes with spaces or commas.

A letter followed by four characters, for example P0301. Up to ten codes at a time.
Reset

Your codes, interpreted

What this means
⚠ Book a service. The codes you entered describe faults that get worse, or more expensive, if left.
What to doBook a workshop inspection. Normal driving is usual with these faults, but they should not be left indefinitely.

Your codes

  1. P0117 — Engine cooling (service soon). The engine coolant temperature sensor is reading implausibly low, as it would with a short circuit. The engine computer may run the engine rich as a result.

Checks to do first, in order

  1. Check the coolant temperature sensor connector and wiring for a short to ground.
  2. Compare the sensor reading against the temperature gauge and against a known-good thermometer.
  3. Verify the coolant level before assuming the sensor is at fault.

Codes this tool cannot interpret

How this result was reached
  • Interpretations cover standardised codes only, and describe what a code means rather than what is wrong with your specific vehicle.
  • A stored code identifies the circuit or system reporting a fault. It does not identify the failed part — a sensor commonly reports a problem it did not cause.
  • Reviewed by Project Owner on 2026-08-26.
  • This tool covers a reviewed subset of standardised codes. A code it does not recognise is reported as undocumented rather than guessed at.