P0317 – Rough Road Hardware Not Present means the engine control unit expected input from the vehicle’s “rough road detection” hardware but did not receive it. Modern vehicles use wheel speed sensors or suspension accelerometers to distinguish real misfires from rough-road vibration. When this hardware is missing, faulty, or not programmed, the ECU cannot reliably differentiate bumps from misfires. This guide explains what P0317 means, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis steps, and the best repair options to restore proper misfire monitoring.
What Does P0317 Mean?
P0317 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code indicating that the ECU has detected missing or invalid data from the rough-road detection system. Many vehicles use ABS wheel speed signals or dedicated body accelerometers so the ECU can ignore misfire readings caused by potholes, cobblestones, or off-road driving. When the ECU does not see valid rough-road signals, it sets P0317.
This code often appears after ABS module replacements, PCM updates, suspension work, sensor wiring issues, or incorrect configuration of wheel speed inputs.
Quick Reference
- OBD-II Family: P-Code (Powertrain)
- Scope: Generic
- System: Misfire Detection / ABS / Wheel Speed
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Estimated Repair Cost: €80–€500+
- Last Updated: 8 December 2025
Real-World Example / Field Notes
A vehicle came in with repeated misfire codes and P0317 after the ABS module was replaced. The module had not been programmed to the vehicle configuration, so the ECU could not receive rough-road data. After performing ABS initialization and module coding, P0317 disappeared and misfire detection returned to normal.
Another case involved a car that set P0317 while driving on uneven rural roads. Inspection revealed one wheel speed sensor connector partially unplugged, causing loss of rough-road data. Reconnecting and securing the sensor fixed the issue immediately.
Symptoms of P0317 – Rough Road Hardware Not Present
- Check engine light: Usually the main symptom.
- False misfire codes: ECU misinterprets road vibration as misfires.
- ABS or traction control warnings: If wheel speed sensors are affected.
- Rough idle or hesitation logs: Only from misfire misinterpretation, not actual engine problems.
- Erratic misfire monitoring: Startup or acceleration misfire readings may be inaccurate.
Common Causes of P0317
Most Common Causes
- ABS module replaced but not programmed
- Wheel speed sensor failure
- Disconnected or damaged wheel speed sensor wiring
- ABS/ESC module not providing rough-road data
- PCM not configured for vehicle’s rough-road hardware
Less Common Causes
- Suspension-mounted accelerometer failure
- Incorrect tire sizes affecting wheel speed correlation
- Incorrect PCM software or calibration
- Chassis wiring damage from corrosion or impact
- Failed ABS pump or control unit (rare)
Diagnosis: Step-By-Step Guide
Diagnosing P0317 requires checking ABS inputs, wheel speed signals, and control module communication to the ECU.
Tools You’ll Need
OBD-II scanner with ABS and PCM communication, multimeter, wiring diagrams, scan tool capable of module coding, and basic hand tools.
- Check freeze-frame data: Note speed, road condition, and ABS activity at the time of code set.
- Scan ABS system: Look for ABS or wheel speed sensor codes that may trigger P0317.
- Monitor live wheel speed data: All four wheels should show consistent values during a test drive.
- Inspect wheel speed sensor wiring: Look for corrosion, broken wires, or unplugged connectors.
- Check ABS module coding: Confirm the module is properly programmed to the vehicle.
- Inspect for accelerometers: Some vehicles use body-mounted sensors—verify signals are present.
- Check PCM software: Ensure the latest calibration is installed.
- Inspect wheel bearings: Excessive play can cause erratic wheel speed signals.
- Verify tire sizes: Incorrect tire sizes can disrupt misfire/rough road logic.
- Road test: Drive on a smooth surface and recheck rough-road data inputs.
Pro Tip: P0317 almost always accompanies another clue—check ABS, wheel speed, or ESC codes first. Fixing those usually clears P0317 automatically.
Possible Fixes & Repair Costs
- Program or initialize ABS module: €80–€200
- Replace wheel speed sensor: €40–€120 each
- Repair sensor wiring: €50–€150
- Replace ABS/ESC module: €150–€500+
- Replace suspension accelerometer (if equipped): €80–€180
- PCM reflash or update: €60–€120
Can I Still Drive With P0317?
Yes, the vehicle will typically run normally. However, misfire detection may be unreliable, meaning the ECU could mistake road vibration for engine misfires or fail to detect real misfires. If ABS or traction control warnings appear, braking performance may also be affected. Driving is possible but not ideal until repairs are completed.
Related Codes
- P0399 – Ignition Coil “R” Primary/Secondary Circuit
- P0364 – Reserved
- P0363 – Misfire Detected Fueling Disabled
- P0362 – Ignition Coil “L” Primary/Secondary Circuit
- P0361 – Ignition Coil “K” Primary/Secondary Circuit
- P0360 – Ignition Coil “J” Primary/Secondary Circuit
- P0359 – Ignition Coil “I” Primary/Secondary Circuit
- P0358 – Ignition Coil “H” Primary/Secondary Circuit
- P0357 – Ignition Coil “G” Primary/Secondary Circuit
- P0356 – Ignition Coil “F” Primary/Secondary Circuit
Key Takeaways
- P0317 means the ECU is not receiving rough-road data for misfire filtering.
- Wheel speed sensors, ABS modules, and wiring are the most common causes.
- ABS module coding is often required after replacements.
- Driving is possible, but misfire detection accuracy is reduced.
FAQ
What does “rough road hardware” mean?
It refers to ABS wheel speed sensors or accelerometers used by the ECU to distinguish rough road vibrations from actual engine misfires.
Can a bad wheel speed sensor trigger P0317?
Yes. If the ECU does not receive proper wheel speed data, it cannot complete rough-road evaluation.
Do I need to replace the ABS module?
Not always. In many cases, the module simply needs to be programmed or initialized after replacement.
Can incorrect tire sizes cause P0317?
Yes. Mismatched or oversized tires can distort wheel speed data and trigger this code.
Will P0317 cause drivability issues?
Usually no, but it can lead to incorrect misfire diagnosis or ABS-related warnings depending on the underlying cause.