Quick Answer
U0717 means: U0717 indicates a communication error between the Transmission Control Module and Powertrain Control Module.
Can I drive with U0717? Immediate attention is recommended to prevent further transmission damage.
Common Questions
What does U0717 mean and how does it affect my car?
U0717 indicates a communication issue between your vehicle's TCM and PCM, affecting its ability to shift gears properly. This can lead to poor acceleration, erratic shifting, and if not addressed, can result in major transmission failure.
What are the most common causes of U0717 and how much does it cost to fix?
Common causes include damaged wiring (40% likelihood), poor connections, and software issues. Repair costs can range from $150 for wiring repairs to over $1,200 for a TCM replacement, depending on the severity of the problem.
Can I drive my car with U0717 or should I stop immediately?
It's advisable to avoid driving your vehicle if you see the U0717 code. Continuing to drive could exacerbate the issue and lead to more significant transmission damage, which would be costly to repair.
How can I diagnose U0717 myself using GeekOBD APP?
With GeekOBD APP, you can scan for codes, view freeze frame data, and monitor transmission performance. Check for any additional codes or issues, and perform a visual inspection of wiring and connectors.
What vehicles are most commonly affected by U0717?
DTC U0717 is often found in 2013-2018 Ford F-150s and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverados, among others. Checking for any recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to transmission issues is recommended.
How can I prevent U0717 from happening again?
Regular maintenance of your vehicle’s electrical systems, including checking connections and protecting wiring from moisture, can help prevent U0717. Additionally, keeping your software updated can resolve potential communication issues.
What is U0717?
The DTC code U0717 indicates a communication error between the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This code typically arises when the TCM is unable to send or receive data properly from the PCM, which can lead to significant issues in vehicle operation. Drivers may experience symptoms such as erratic shifting, loss of power during acceleration, or even complete transmission failure in severe cases. This code often suggests a problem with the wiring harness, connectors, or the modules themselves. In practical terms, if you see this code, it could mean the transmission may not respond correctly to gear changes, which can affect vehicle performance and safety. For example, owners of affected vehicles may notice that their truck hesitates when shifting from park to drive or may feel a sudden jerk as the vehicle engages. Ignoring this code could lead to more extensive damage, necessitating costly repairs. Therefore, addressing a U0717 code promptly is crucial to maintaining the reliability and safety of your vehicle.
System: U - Network (Communication, CAN Bus)
Symptoms
Common symptoms when U0717 is present:
- Check engine light stays on constantly, indicating a persistent issue with the transmission control.
- Transmission shifts erratically or hesitates during acceleration, leading to a rough driving experience.
- Noticeable decrease in fuel economy, potentially dropping by 10-20% due to improper gear engagement.
- Transmission may go into 'limp mode', restricting vehicle speed to prevent further damage.
- Unusual noises coming from the transmission area, such as grinding or whining, indicating mechanical failure.
Possible Causes
Most common causes of U0717 (ordered by frequency):
- The most common cause is a damaged wiring harness, which accounts for approximately 40% of cases. Corrosion or fraying can disrupt signals between modules.
- Another likely cause is poor connections at the TCM or PCM, which can occur due to moisture or dirt buildup, leading to intermittent communication failures.
- A third cause could be software issues within the TCM or PCM, which can often be resolved with a simple reprogramming or update.
- Less common but serious is a failure of the TCM or PCM itself, which may require replacement if they are found to be defective.
- A rare cause could include a faulty CAN bus, which is essential for communication between various vehicle modules. Issues here can lead to a multitude of codes and symptoms.
U0717 Repair Costs
Cost Breakdown by Repair Type
Wiring Harness Repair
Repair or replacement of damaged wiring or connectors.
- Total: $150 - $400
- Success rate: 85%
Transmission Control Module Replacement
Replacing a faulty TCM with a new or refurbished unit.
- Total: $600 - $1,200
- Success rate: 90%
Software Update
Reprogramming the TCM or PCM to the latest software version.
- Total: $100 - $200
- Success rate: 75%
Money-Saving Tips for U0717
- Start with the most common and least expensive repairs first
- Use GeekOBD APP to confirm diagnosis before replacing expensive parts
- Consider preventive maintenance to avoid future occurrences
- Compare prices for OEM vs aftermarket parts based on your needs
- Address the issue promptly to prevent more expensive secondary damage
Diagnostic Steps
Professional U0717 Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose U0717. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Step 1: Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes)
Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes).
Step 2: Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes)
Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes).
Step 3: Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test suspected components like the TCM and its connectors (20-30 minutes)
Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test suspected components like the TCM and its connectors (20-30 minutes).
Step 4: Step 4: System function test - Verify proper operation after repairs and clear codes using GeekOBD APP (10-15 minutes)
Step 4: System function test - Verify proper operation after repairs and clear codes using GeekOBD APP (10-15 minutes).
Step 5: Step 5: Road test verification - Drive vehicle under various conditions to confirm repair success and ensure that the issue has been resolved (15-20 minutes)
Step 5: Road test verification - Drive vehicle under various conditions to confirm repair success and ensure that the issue has been resolved (15-20 minutes).
Important Notes
- Always verify the repair with GeekOBD APP after completing diagnostic steps
- Clear codes and test drive to ensure the problem is resolved
- Address underlying causes to prevent code recurrence
Real Repair Case Studies
Case Study 1: 2014 Ford F-150 U0717 Repair
Vehicle: 2014 Ford F-150, 75,000 miles
Problem: Customer reported rough shifting and check engine light illuminated.
Diagnosis: Using GeekOBD APP, we scanned for codes and found U0717 along with a few others. Visual inspection revealed corroded wiring at the TCM.
Solution: Repaired the damaged wiring and cleared the codes. Performed a system test to ensure proper function.
Cost: $250 (including parts and labor)
Result: The vehicle shifted smoothly post-repair, and the check engine light remained off after several road tests.
Case Study 2: 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Transmission Issue
Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, 50,000 miles
Problem: Owner noticed the vehicle hesitating during acceleration and experienced a check engine light.
Diagnosis: OBD2 scan revealed U0717. Further tests indicated a faulty TCM.
Solution: Replaced the TCM with a refurbished unit and updated the software.
Cost: $900 (including parts and labor)
Result: Post-repair, the Silverado performed flawlessly, with no further issues noted.