P2617
Crankshaft Position Signal Output Circuit/Open
Ignition / crank position
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P2617 means the ECM detected an open in the circuit that outputs the crankshaft-position (engine speed) signal — the reference the ECM shares with other modules for timing and RPM. Because this signal is tied to how the engine runs, a fault can cause hard starting, stalling, or hesitation, so it's worth diagnosing quickly even if the car still drives.
Medium
Can I keep driving? Often drivable, but because it involves the crank signal the engine can stall, misfire, or become hard to start — get it checked promptly and avoid long trips.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Hard starting or intermittent no-start
- Engine stumble or stall while driving
- Hesitation or jerking during acceleration
- Erratic or dropping tachometer
Common causes
Most likely first
- Open or broken wire in the crankshaft-position signal output circuitLikely
- Corroded or loose connector on the circuit that shares the crank/RPM signal with another moduleCommon
- Failing crankshaft position sensorCommon
- Fault in the receiving module or its groundLess often
- Related mechanical timing issue (worn timing belt/chain)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and scan for companion crank/cam codes (P0335–P0339, P2618) to narrow the fault.
- Inspect the crank-signal output wiring and connectors for opens, corrosion, or backed-out pins; repair as needed.
- Check the crankshaft position sensor and its harness for damage.
- Verify grounds and connections at the module that receives the signal.
- If wiring is good, test the sensor; clear the code and road-test to confirm the signal holds.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P2617?+
Drive as little as possible. Anything touching the crank signal can cause stalling or a no-start, which is unsafe in traffic. Get it diagnosed soon.
Can I just clear P2617?+
It will clear, but an open-circuit fault returns as soon as the broken wire or connection acts up. Repair the circuit rather than just resetting it.
Related codes
Often seen with P2617
Read & clear P2617 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX