AutoCodes – Ford – P1117 2001 Ford F150

P1117 2001 Ford F150 Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent

Quick Answer

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor is a thermistor device in which resistance changes with temperature. Common causes include Low Engine Coolant Level, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor harness is open or shorted. 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: P1117 2001 Ford F150 indicates Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent.
Common causes: Common causes include Low Engine Coolant Level, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor harness is open or shorted.
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 2,237

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 22, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1117 2001 Ford F150 Description

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor is a thermistor device in which resistance changes with temperature. The electrical resistance of a thermistor decreases as the temperature increases, and the resistance increases as the temperature decreases. The varying resistance changes the voltage drop across the sensor terminals and provides electrical signals to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) corresponding to temperature.
Thermistor-type sensors are considered passive sensors. A passive sensor is connected to a voltage divider network so varying the resistance of the passive sensor causes a variation in total current flow. Voltage that is dropped across a fixed resistor (pull-up resister) in series with the sensor resistor determines the voltage signal at the PCM. This voltage signal is equal to the reference voltage minus the voltage drop across the fixed resistor.
The ECT measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The PCM uses the ECT input for fuel control and for cooling fan control. There are 3 types of ECT sensors; threaded, push-in, and twist-lock. The ECT sensor is located in an engine coolant passage.

OBDII Code P1117 2001 Ford F150 - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent - AutoCodes.com — P1117 2001 Ford F150 Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1117 2001 Ford F150?

Low Engine Coolant Level
Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor harness is open or shorted
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor electrical circuit poor connection
Faulty Engine Coolant Thermostat
Damaged Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC P1117 2001 Ford F150?

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

Monitor the ECT on a scan tool. Look for sudden changes in the reading when the harness is wiggled or the sensor is tapped.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1117 2001 Ford F150 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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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1117 2001 Ford F150 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1117 in a 2001 Ford F150 related to the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent issue?

The common symptoms include erratic temperature gauge readings, poor fuel economy, engine overheating, and potential stalling or rough idling.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1117 in a 2001 Ford F150?

The potential causes can be a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor, damaged sensor wiring, corroded connectors, or issues with the engine control module.

3. How can I diagnose the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent issue in a 2001 Ford F150 with OBDII code P1117?

You can diagnose the problem by checking the sensor wiring for damage, testing the sensor's resistance, inspecting for coolant leaks, and scanning for any other related trouble codes.

4. Can I continue driving my 2001 Ford F150 with OBDII code P1117 related to the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent issue?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this issue as it can lead to engine overheating, potential damage, and reduced performance.

5. How can I repair the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent problem in my 2001 Ford F150 with OBDII code P1117?

To fix this issue, you may need to replace the engine coolant temperature sensor, repair damaged wiring or connectors, clear the trouble code, and perform a test drive to ensure the problem is resolved.

6. Will resetting the OBDII code P1117 in my 2001 Ford F150 resolve the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent problem?

Resetting the code may temporarily clear the check engine light, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing the intermittent problem with the engine coolant temperature sensor.

7. Are there any specific maintenance tips to prevent OBDII code P1117 related to the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent issue in a 2001 Ford F150?

Regularly checking the coolant level, monitoring the temperature gauge, and addressing any cooling system issues promptly can help prevent this problem.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast repair the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent problem causing OBDII code P1117 in a 2001 Ford F150?

Depending on your mechanical skills and tools available, it is possible to replace the engine coolant temperature sensor or repair wiring yourself. However, if unsure, it's best to consult a professional mechanic.

9. What is the typical cost to repair the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent issue triggering OBDII code P1117 in a 2001 Ford F150?

The cost of repair can vary based on the exact cause of the problem, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300, including parts and labor.

10. Can a malfunctioning Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent issue causing OBDII code P1117 affect the overall performance of a 2001 Ford F150?

Yes, a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor can lead to poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential overheating issues if left unresolved.