Powertrain, generic · Fuel and air metering

P017D Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor A Circuit High

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

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 petrol engines use it as sender G407. CARB requires such sensors to be monitored like the coolant sensor. P017D means the signal voltage is too high – the sensor or wire is open or shorted to voltage, and the control module would read an implausibly cold head. Ford's published summaries flag this under its own code P1289 above 4.96 V for 5 s, but a 2019 bulletin for the F-150 and Mustang 5.0 litre names P1289 and/or P017D and replaces the sensor – so at least that calibration also sets the generic code. GM lists P017D only as an exclusion condition in its diesel software. The engine uses substitute values; the radiator fan typically runs constantly.

Likely causes

Sensor faulty (series fault on Ford 5.0 litre 2019)
Connector unplugged or corroded, wire open
Signal wire shorted to voltage
Engine control module

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Temperature gauge cold or missing
  • Radiator fan runs constantly
  • Cold-start or idle problems possible

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€50–300
Time0.7–2 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

cylinder head temperature sensorsensor wiringcooling system

Related codes

P017AP017BP017CP017EP0118

References: law.cornell.edu, static.nhtsa.gov, fordservicecontent.com, gsi.ext.gm.com.