Engine

P0317 — Rough Road Detection Hardware Not Present

Severity: low Safe to drive

What P0317 means

P0317 means the engine control module can't find the hardware or signal used to detect rough road driving. That information helps it tell real misfires apart from crankshaft speed changes caused by bumps. The signal usually comes from the ABS/stability control module via wheel speed sensors or the CAN bus, and some vehicles use a dedicated sensor such as an accelerometer.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light may come on, depending on the vehicle
  • ABS or stability control warning lights may appear
  • False misfire codes on rough roads
  • Engine often runs normally with no noticeable symptoms

Possible causes

  1. Faulty or missing rough road sensor or module
  2. Damaged wiring harness or poor connector contact
  3. Faulty wheel speed sensor or ABS/stability control module
  4. CAN bus communication problems between modules
  5. PCM software or calibration error
  6. Failed PCM (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all modules and review freeze frame data; look for ABS, stability control or CAN codes alongside P0317
  2. Check for recent changes such as different wheels or tires, a replaced ABS module or PCM
  3. Watch wheel speed sensor data with a scan tool while driving
  4. Inspect wiring and connectors at the ABS module and sensors for damage, moisture and corrosion
  5. Check power and ground supply to the ABS/stability control module
  6. Test CAN communication between the PCM and the ABS module
  7. Look for PCM software updates for your model
  8. Clear the code and road-test to see whether it returns

Common fixes

  • Replace the faulty rough road sensor or module
  • Repair the wiring harness or connectors
  • Fix the wheel speed sensor or ABS module fault
  • Update or reflash the PCM software

Questions and answers

Can I drive with a P0317 code?

Usually yes, because the engine itself runs normally. Misfire monitoring may be unreliable though, and if ABS or stability control lights are on, get it checked soon.

What is rough road detection?

It's the logic and sensors the PCM uses to recognize that the car is bouncing from road bumps. This keeps it from mistaking crankshaft speed fluctuations for engine misfires.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.