AutoCodesFord – P1117 2011 Ford Fusion

P1117 2011 Ford Fusion 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 2011 Ford Fusion 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 1,900
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 22, 2019
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Code P1117 2011 Ford Fusion 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 2011 Ford Fusion - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent - AutoCodes.com
P1117 2011 Ford Fusion Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Intermittent

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1117 2011 Ford Fusion?

  • 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 2011 Ford Fusion?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1117 2011 Ford Fusion 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.

Need more information about the P1117 2011 Ford Fusion code?

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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 2011 Ford Fusion Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1117 mean for a 2011 Ford Fusion?

P1117 indicates an intermittent issue with the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, meaning the signal from the sensor is not consistently reliable.

2. What are common symptoms of P1117 on a 2011 Ford Fusion?

Symptoms may include engine overheating, poor fuel efficiency, rough idle, difficulty starting, or the check engine light being illuminated.

3. What causes the P1117 code in a 2011 Ford Fusion?

Possible causes include a faulty ECT sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, corrosion on the sensor terminals, or issues with the engine control module (ECM).

4. Can driving with the P1117 code damage my 2011 Ford Fusion?

Yes, ignoring this code can lead to engine overheating or other performance issues, potentially causing expensive damage.

5. How do I fix the P1117 code on a 2011 Ford Fusion?

Repairs may include replacing the ECT sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, cleaning corroded connectors, or updating the ECM software if necessary.

6. How can I test the ECT sensor for the P1117 code?

You can check the sensor’s resistance with a multimeter and compare it to the manufacturer’s specifications. If it’s out of range, the sensor may be faulty.

7. Where is the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor located on a 2011 Ford Fusion?

The ECT sensor is typically located near the thermostat housing or radiator, but consult your vehicle’s repair manual for the exact location.

8. Does the P1117 code affect fuel efficiency in a 2011 Ford Fusion?

Yes, an intermittent ECT sensor can cause incorrect fuel mixture calculations, leading to reduced fuel efficiency.

9. Will clearing the P1117 code fix the issue on my 2011 Ford Fusion?

Clearing the code temporarily removes it, but the underlying issue must be resolved to prevent the code from returning.

10. How much does it cost to repair the P1117 code on a 2011 Ford Fusion?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue but typically range from $50-$150 for an ECT sensor replacement, plus labor. Wiring repairs may be additional.

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