P0117 code

PUGGY808

MEMBER
2007 FORD EXPLORER
4.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Was driving then all of a sudden, I noticed my slippery when wet light came on and stayed on would not shut off even if I pushed it. I came to a complete stop then I noticed my temperature gauge pin went from mid temperature and then shot all the way down to cool temperature. While not accelerating and sitting in idle at the light my A/C then went from blowing cool air to blowing warm air. Then when I drove off, temperature needle went back to middle temp and A/C started to blow cool air again. No over heating signs. Slippery when wet sign goes on and off while accelerating. Then on the drive back home the check engine light came on, car drove normal. Did a diagnostic reading and code P0117 came up as the only code. I had a brand new water pump, and radiator installed last month. I do not know how to fix this problem. Need some advice.

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,640 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com.

The code deals with the electronic coolant temperature sensor (ECT). A few things can cause this light to come on. Low engine coolant, a faulty ECT sensor, a bad coolant thermostat, wiring issues, a poor connection at the sensor.

You mentioned a "Slipper when wet" light. Are you referring to the traction control light? If that is the case, this seems to be a completely different issue. Let me know if that is the light you are referring to.

First, check and make sure the engine coolant is full and clean. If it is, locate the ECT sensor. I attached a picture of the sensor location for you. Locate section D1 (left side of picture). It indicates ECT and points to its location.

Since you had the water pump replaced, there is a good chance it may be low on coolant or the wiring to the sensor was not properly installed. Check these things first and let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, September 24th, 2018 AT 5:57 PM

PUGGY808

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi Joe. Thank you for responding. So here’s what I found. I changed the thermostat out, I noticed it was warped. Then I noticed that the housing had a pin hole and was leaking coolant so I changed that as well including the bypass hose and the sensor. I also noticed that the T that was connected to the heater hose was leaking so I changed out the entire hose assembly and the valve that was connected to it. After I changed out all those parts the code still comes up. I deleted The code and reset the battery and the code still shows up with the check light. I don’t know what els could be causing the light to come on. I’m feeling frustrated. The car runs fine but the temp gauge still goes up to half way and goes back down. The Traction control light still goes off and on. I did notice that when I look at my rear tires from the front of the car it looks like the tires are tilted in at the top. Please help me figure this out.

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Wednesday, October 24th, 2018 AT 4:28 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,640 POSTS

The tires may be worn due to an alignment issue. You should have that checked.

As far as the ECT, when the temperature drops back down, have a helper sit in the vehicle while you move the wiring around and the connector to see if the gauge goes back up. If it does, we have a wiring issue. Also, remove the connector and make sure the pins inside are not pushed back in causing a poor connection.

Lets get this fixed first and then focus on the TCS. There should be codes related to it also.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe

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Wednesday, October 24th, 2018 AT 6:35 PM

PUGGY808