Fault in the wheel speed sensor circuit or ABS signal feeding the engine control unit; Damaged wiring, corrosion or poor connection at the rough road or wheel speed sensor connectors; Communication fault on the vehicle network between the ABS or stability module and the engine control unit; Faulty dedicated rough road or acceleration sensor, on models that have one; Missing, incorrectly configured or outdated engine control unit software or coding after a repair or module replacement; Internal fault in the engine control unit or ABS module.

P0317

Rough Road Hardware Not Present.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
Low severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
3: AreaIgnition system or misfire
17: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0317 is the generic code for 'Rough Road Hardware Not Present'. The engine control unit uses a rough road signal, typically from wheel speed data or a dedicated sensor, to tell genuine engine misfire from crankshaft speed fluctuations caused by a bumpy surface. The code sets when the control unit expects that hardware or signal but cannot find it. The exact hardware and how the check is made vary by manufacturer and model.

Symptoms

Engine warning light on
Possible false misfire detection on rough roads, or misfire monitoring disabled
Traction control or ABS warning light on at the same time, if wheel speed signals are involved
Occasional hesitation or rough running on uneven surfaces
Often no noticeable driveability change

Possible causes

Fault in the wheel speed sensor circuit or ABS signal feeding the engine control unitlikely
Damaged wiring, corrosion or poor connection at the rough road or wheel speed sensor connectorslikely
Communication fault on the vehicle network between the ABS or stability module and the engine control unitpossible
Faulty dedicated rough road or acceleration sensor, on models that have onepossible
Missing, incorrectly configured or outdated engine control unit software or coding after a repair or module replacementpossible
Internal fault in the engine control unit or ABS modulerare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes plus freeze frame data, and note any ABS, traction control or network codes alongside P0317
Check live wheel speed data on all four wheels while driving or on a lift, and look for missing or erratic readings
Inspect wheel speed sensor wiring, connectors and tone rings for damage, corrosion, debris or contamination
Check the relevant wiring and connectors for chafing, water ingress and loose pins, using the manufacturer's wiring diagram
Look up the manufacturer's information for your model to find out whether it uses a dedicated rough road sensor or wheel speed data
Test the sensor or circuit as per the manufacturer's procedure, including supply, earth and signal
Check for network communication faults and confirm module configuration and software are correct and up to date
Clear the code and road test, then recheck for the code returning

How to fix

Repair or replace damaged wiring or connectors in the wheel speed or rough road sensor circuit
Replace a faulty wheel speed sensor or dedicated rough road sensor
Clean or replace a damaged tone ring or reluctor
Repair the network fault, or fix the ABS or stability module fault that is stopping the signal being sent
Update or reload the engine control unit software or coding where an outdated or faulty calibration is confirmed as the cause
Replace or repair the control unit only after all other causes are ruled out

Can I keep driving?

Low severity

The car can normally be driven as the fault mostly affects misfire detection accuracy. Book it in soon, especially if the ABS or traction control lights are also on, as those systems may be affected.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.