Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSSATURN1996SW2 L4-1.9L DOHC VIN 7REPAIR AND DIAGNOSISA L L DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES ( DTC )TESTING AND INSPECTIONP CODE CHARTSP0217
1996 Saturn SW2 L4-1.9L DOHC VIN 7
P0217
1996 Saturn SW2 L4-1.9L DOHC VIN 7SECTION P0217
The hot lamp/low coolant lamp on the instrument panel has the ability to illuminate as a result of engine (DTC P0217) or transaxle (DTC P0218) overheating. The lamp will come on and stay on steady for either of these conditions. If the PCM detects a low coolant condition (DTC P1620) the lamp will flash as opposed to a solid ON lamp.
DTC PARAMETERS
P0217 will set if:
^ Engine coolant is above 118°C (244°F).
^ No other ECT sensor DTCs are set.
P0218 will set if:
^ Transaxle fluid temperature is above 140°C (284°F).
^ Actuator temperature is above 160°C (320°F) as calculated by PCM from fluid temperature and actuator on time.
^ No other transaxle temperature sensor DTCs are set.
CAUTION: THE HOT LAMP/LOW COOLANT LAMP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL ILLUMINATE WHEN THESE DTCS ARE SET. THE LAMP WILL REMAIN ON STEADY AND IS SHARED BY BOTH ENGINE COOLANT AND TRANSAXLE TEMPERATURE CIRCUITS.
DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
^ If the lamp is flashing refer to DTC P1620 diagnostics.
^ Overload due to trailer towing.
^ Transaxle oil cooler restricted.
^ Transaxle oil cooler lines restricted.
^ Radiator or condensor air flow restricted.
^ Front air dam missing/damaged.
^ Low transaxle fluid level.
^ Inoperative cooling fan.
^ Corrosion at ECT sensor connectors.
^ Engine cooling system components water pump/thermostat.
^ ECT resistance malfunction (refer to ECT Out of Range-High).
CAUTION: THE A/C WILL TURN OFF AT 118°C (244°F) TO PROTECT THE ENGINE AND TRANSAXLE.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.