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DTC codes / P03xx · Ignition system and misfire / P0317

P0317Rough Road Hardware Not Present

P0317 means the powertrain control module (PCM) expects a rough road signal from the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module but is not receiving it, so the PCM cannot tell whether misfires are real or just road vibration. The PCM sets this code when the rough road hardware input circuit is missing or not reporting as designed.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityLow
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other symptoms noticed by the driver.
  • The ABS warning light may also be on if the ABS module has a related fault.
  • The engine may feel normal because the code is about a missing signal, not a performance fault.
  • Misfire detection may be less accurate, potentially delaying a real misfire diagnosis.
  • In some vehicles, cruise control or stability control may be disabled as a precaution.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty or disconnected rough road sensor (often integrated into the ABS wheel speed sensor circuit).
  2. Damaged wiring or connector between the ABS module and the PCM, including open or short circuits.
  3. Failed ABS module that is not transmitting the rough road signal over the controller area network (CAN) bus.
  4. Corroded or loose ground connection shared by the ABS module or PCM.
  5. Software calibration issue in the PCM or ABS module that misinterprets the rough road signal.
  6. Aftermarket modifications or poor previous repairs affecting the ABS or CAN bus wiring.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Connect a scan tool and check for ABS module codes and live data to confirm whether the rough road signal is present.
  2. Inspect the wiring harness and connectors between the ABS module and PCM for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
  3. Test the rough road sensor circuit with a multimeter for continuity and proper voltage according to the service manual.
  4. Check and clean the ABS module and PCM ground connections to ensure good electrical contact.
  5. If wiring and grounds are good, verify the ABS module is communicating on the CAN bus and has the correct software calibration.
  6. Replace the ABS module or rough road sensor only after confirming the signal is absent at the source.
  7. Clear the code and perform a road test to verify the repair and ensure the code does not return.

When the ABS module is the real culprit

  • Many technicians replace the PCM first, but the rough road signal almost always originates from the ABS module, so start diagnostics there.
  • A weak battery or charging system fault can cause communication errors that mimic a missing rough road signal, so always check battery voltage and grounds.
  • On some vehicles, the rough road signal is derived from wheel speed sensors, so a failing wheel speed sensor can set P0317 without any ABS code.
  • Aftermarket stereos or alarm installations that tap into CAN bus wiring can disrupt the rough road signal and set this code.
  • The code does not mean the engine is misfiring; it only means the PCM cannot reliably detect misfires, so do not replace ignition components based on this code alone.

Can I keep driving with P0317?

You can generally continue driving with P0317 because it does not affect engine operation directly, but avoid towing or heavy loads until the fault is repaired since misfire detection may be compromised. Have the vehicle diagnosed soon to prevent a real misfire from going unnoticed.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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