P0217 on Chevrolet: How to Diagnose & Fix
Engine Overtemperature Condition
4 Chevrolet models · 4 documented issues · 1 critical · $200-$4,500 repair
P0217 on Chevrolet by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
C7 Z06 models with the supercharged 6.2L LT4 overheat and enter a reduced-engine-power mode when driven at sustained high speed on a road course in warm ambient temperatures. The factory cooling package is undersized for the LT4's heat rejection: the supercharger uses only two intercooler bricks, and the engine radiator, charge-air cooler circuit and oil cooler all saturate within a few minutes of hard lapping. Owners report having to pit and cool down mid-session, with the car noticeably slowing as the ECU pulls timing and then derates. GM formally acknowledged the condition with Special Coverage Adjustment N202302720, covering 2015-2016 Z06 with the MEK manual and 2015-2018 Z06 with the M5U 8-speed automatic. This is specific to the supercharged LT4 Z06 - the naturally aspirated LT1 Stingray and Grand Sport do not share this cooling deficit.
Common Symptoms
- Reduced engine power warning after several hard laps
- Coolant and intake air temperatures climbing without stabilizing on track
- Noticeable power loss after consecutive wide-open-throttle pulls
- Having to pit and idle to cool the car before continuing a session
- Elevated engine oil temperature
How to Fix
Have the dealer perform Special Coverage Adjustment N202302720 (7 years / 72,000 miles from in-service date, regardless of ownership). The remedy is an upgraded radiator package plus, on automatic cars, updated shift-point calibration software. GM requires customer evidence of the overheat - a stored diagnostic trouble code, photos, or video of the gauge cluster and reduced-power message. Only about 5% of covered cars were expected to need parts, so document the condition before the visit. For owners who track the car regularly and are outside coverage, the durable fix is an upgraded heat-exchanger/intercooler package - a triple-brick supercharger intercooler, relocated outboard coolers to free up radiator airflow, and a front-mounted air-to-oil cooler. Note that a conservative factory ECU calibration also pulls significant timing as intake air temperature climbs, so cooling hardware, not tuning alone, is the correct fix.
Sources for this issue (3)
The engine-driven water pump bearing and shaft seal wear out, leaking coolant from the weep hole and eventually letting the impeller wobble or the bearing seize. Coolant loss leads to overheating if ignored. It's a routine wear item on the small-block V8s, commonly needed around/after 100k miles — and some replacement pumps of poor quality fail far sooner, so pump quality matters.
Common Symptoms
- Coolant puddle / drip from front of engine
- Coolant seepage from weep hole
- Rising temperature gauge / overheating
- Low coolant light
- Whine or wobble from pump bearing
How to Fix
Replace the water pump with an OE-quality unit (ACDelco / GM Genuine or Aisin/Gates equivalent) and fresh dexos-approved coolant; inspect the belt, tensioner and thermostat while there. Avoid the cheapest pumps — some last only ~30k miles versus 100k+ for a quality unit. Pressure-test the system afterward to confirm no residual leaks.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Engine Water PumpCross-refDP990
Fitment confirmed against the ShowMeTheParts catalog for this vehicle's year and engine.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (1)
The engine-driven water pump on the 3.6L V6 develops a leak at the shaft seal, weeping coolant from the pump 'weep hole' at the front/side of the engine. GM acknowledged the condition with Customer Satisfaction Program #13079 covering 2009-2013 Traverse (and Lambda-platform siblings Enclave/Acadia/Outlook) with the HFV6 engine (LY7, LLT), noting that operating with a low coolant level shortens shaft-seal life. Water-pump leaks are widely reported across first-gen years through 2017. Left unaddressed the pump can lose enough coolant to cause overheating.
Common Symptoms
- Faint sweet coolant smell
- Low coolant / repeated top-offs
- Coolant drips or crusty residue at front of engine
- Overheating / high temp gauge
- Coolant puddle under vehicle
How to Fix
Replace the water pump (and thermostat/gaskets while accessed), pressure-test the cooling system, and refill with DEX-COOL. Keeping coolant topped to spec extends seal life. #13079 (a coolant-level check/top-off program, not a free pump replacement) applied to eligible 2009-2013 cars until April 30, 2015; otherwise owner-pay.
Sources for this issue (1)
The mechanical (belt-driven) water pump on the LS/LT V8 Silverado 1500 is a common wear-out item. The internal shaft seal fails and coolant seeps from the pump's weep hole, often appearing as orange/Dex-Cool residue or a puddle at the front-center of the truck; the weep-hole drip can be hard to spot until the bearing also starts to whine. Owners report leaks commonly at roughly 60,000-100,000 miles. If ignored it leads to coolant loss and overheating. Some apparent water-pump leaks turn out to be a failed gasket rather than the pump itself, so confirmation matters.
Common Symptoms
- Orange/Dex-Cool coolant puddle at front-center of the truck
- Coolant seeping from the water-pump weep hole
- Low coolant warnings or repeated topping off
- Whining or grinding from the pump bearing
- Engine running hotter than normal / overheating
How to Fix
Pressure-test the cooling system and confirm the leak is from the pump weep hole / shaft seal versus a gasket or hose. Replace the water pump (and gasket), refill with the correct GM Dex-Cool spec coolant, and bleed the system. Inspect the belt and tensioner while accessing the pump. Address any low-coolant overheating before it damages head gaskets.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Water pump with gaskets (2007-2013 Gen IV LS V8: 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 6.2L)OEMACDelco 251-713 (GM 12600767)Cross-refGates 45010, GMB 130-9670, Airtex AW6009$115–$250
Do NOT confuse with ACDelco 251-748 / GM 12637105, which is the 6.6L Duramax diesel pump.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (1)
P0217 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0217 mean on a Chevrolet?
P0217 stands for "Engine Overtemperature Condition." This code sets when the engine control module detects that the engine has exceeded its safe operating temperature, meaning the engine is overheating based on the coolant temperature sensor reading. Because excessive heat can warp the cylinder head, blow the head gasket, or seize the engine, the computer flags this condition and may reduce power to protect the engine. It generally indicates a real cooling system problem rather than just a sensor glitch, though a faulty sensor can occasionally cause a false reading. An overheating engine should be stopped as soon as it is safe to avoid serious damage. On Chevrolet it is documented across 4 models: Corvette, Tahoe, Traverse, Silverado 1500.
What are the most common causes of P0217?
The most common causes of P0217 are: Low coolant level or a leak in the cooling system, Stuck-closed thermostat, Failed water pump, Faulty radiator cooling fan or fan circuit, Clogged or blocked radiator, Faulty coolant temperature sensor giving a false high reading, Head gasket failure or combustion gases in the coolant, Air pocket in the cooling system after service. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0217 on a Chevrolet?
Published repair estimates on Chevrolet range from $200 to $4,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0217 on a different make?
View P0217 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.