P0217 fault code: what it means

P0217: Engine overheated. On BMW petrol engines with an electric water pump, pump failure is a common reason. Do not keep driving.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Safety risk

Usual causes, most likely first

electric water pump failed (N43 / N46 / N52 / N53 / N54)
thermostat stuck shut
coolant leak / low coolant
cooling fan fault

P0217 by make

BMW

Engine overheated. On BMW petrol engines with an electric water pump, pump failure is a common reason. Do not keep driving.

Usual causes: electric water pump failed (N43 / N46 / N52 / N53 / N54); thermostat stuck shut; coolant leak / low coolant; cooling fan fault

Kia

Engine over-temperature. Stop driving: overheating can warp the head.

Usual causes: low coolant from a leak (water pump, hoses, thermostat housing); failed thermostat; cooling fan fault; head gasket failure

Mini

Engine overheated. Stop and check coolant before driving further.

Usual causes: coolant leak / low coolant (water pump or thermostat housing); thermostat stuck shut; water pump failed; cooling fan fault

What the repair usually costs

Head gasket replacement (4-cylinder)NZ$1,830–NZ$4,090 · A$1,770–A$4,010
Head gasket replacement (V6 / flat-4 / twin-head engine)NZ$3,860–NZ$7,330 · A$3,840–A$7,170
Head gasket replacement (diesel ute, 4-cylinder)NZ$3,300–NZ$6,340 · A$3,320–A$6,210
Water pump replacement (belt-driven, not behind timing cover)NZ$340–NZ$770 · A$340–A$760

Not sure what P0217 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.