AutoCodes – Ford – P0597 Ford

P0597 Ford Code - Thermostat Heater Control Circuit Failure

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) thermostat. Common causes include Failed Engine Cooling Thermostat, Engine Cooling Thermostat harness is open or shorted, Engine Cooling Thermostat circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0597 Ford indicates Thermostat Heater Control Circuit Failure .
Common causes: Common causes include Failed Engine Cooling Thermostat, Engine Cooling Thermostat harness is open or shorted, Engine Cooling Thermostat circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 12,080

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 27, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0597 Ford Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) thermostat. The engine coolant thermostat heater controls coolant flow and regulates the engine operating temperature. The ECM supplies 12 V to the thermostat. The ECM controls the engine coolant thermostat heater by grounding the control circuit with a solid state device called a driver. The driver is equipped with a feedback circuit that is pulled-up to a voltage. The ECM can determine if the control circuit is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to a voltage by monitoring the feedback voltage.

OBDII Code P0597 Ford - Thermostat Heater Control Circuit Failure - AutoCodes.com — P0597 Ford Code - Thermostat Heater Control Circuit Failure

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0597 Ford?

Failed Engine Cooling Thermostat
Engine Cooling Thermostat harness is open or shorted
Engine Cooling Thermostat circuit poor electrical connection
Damaged PCM

How to Fix the DTC P0597 Ford?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

If there are no coolant system leaks, replace the thermostat to fix the problem.

The Comprehensive component monitor (CCM) monitors the THTRC circuit to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for high and low voltage. If during testing; voltage was to fall below a calibrated limit for a calibrated amount of time the test will fail and set the DTC and MIL.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0597 Ford code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Information for Specific Ford Models

P0597 1997 Ford F150 — Thermostat Heater Control Circuit Failure
P0597 1998 Ford F150 — Thermostat Heater Control Circuit Failure
P0597 1999 Ford F150 — Thermostat Heater Control Circuit Failure
P0597 2000 Ford F150 — Thermostat Heater Control Circuit Failure
P0597 2001 Ford F150 — Thermostat Heater Control Circuit Failure
P0597 2002 Ford F150 — Thermostat Heater Control Circuit Failure
P0597 2003 Ford F150 — Thermostat Heater Control Circuit Failure

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.