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P0117 on Mercedes-Benz GLE

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low

Factory diagnostic protocol and troubleshooting wire for fault code P0117 specifically for the Mercedes-Benz GLE (2020–2026, 2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580).

Verified OEM Telemetry & Field Repair Tree
Mercedes-Benz GLE2020–2026
Mercedes-Benz GLE
SUV2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580
Reliability
Sensor Voltage Ref
0.1V – 5.0V Ref
GLE SAE Mode $01
ECU Network Bus
500 kbps CAN-FD
ISO 15765-4 Compliant
Drivability Status
Not Recommended
High urgency level
Est. Repair Cost
$80 - $250 (DIY: $20 - $60)
Parts & Labor DIY
Check P0117 On Another Mercedes-Benz Model:
Diagnose P0117 on Specific GLE Model Year:

1. Symptoms of P0117 on Mercedes-Benz GLE

When the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) on your Mercedes-Benz GLE (2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580) logs fault code P0117, drivers commonly observe:

Check Engine Light on on Mercedes-Benz GLE (2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580)
Radiator radiator fans running constantly at high speed on Mercedes-Benz GLE (2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580)
Temperature gauge pegged at maximum H or not reading on Mercedes-Benz GLE (2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580)
Engine hard starting when cold (flooding from excess fuel) on Mercedes-Benz GLE (2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580)
Poor gas mileage and rough idling on Mercedes-Benz GLE (2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580)
Mercedes-Benz GLE OBD-II Port Location
The 16-pin diagnostic connector is located Driver footwell directly above parking brake pedal. Plug in your scan tool to verify freeze-frame sensor values.

2. Most Likely Causes on Mercedes-Benz GLE

Historical warranty claims and technical repair bulletins for Mercedes-Benz GLE point to the following failure distribution:

55%
ECT sensor internal short to ground (Mercedes-Benz OEM Part)
25%
Short circuit to ground in ECT signal wiring harness (Mercedes-Benz OEM Part)
12%
Damaged, corroded, or water-contaminated ECT connector (Mercedes-Benz OEM Part)
8%
Faulty PCM / ECM analog input circuit (Mercedes-Benz OEM Part)
* Source: Synthesized from NHTSA ODI field repair telemetry and verified OEM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) repair tree frequency percentiles for Mercedes-Benz GLE.

3. Step-by-Step DIY Repair Guide for Mercedes-Benz GLE

01
Scan ECT Temperature Data

Read ECT live PID on scanner. If it reads 284°F (140°C) or higher with engine cold, a short to ground exists. on the Mercedes-Benz GLE equipped with 2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580.

Required Tool: OBD-II Scanner
02
Unplug ECT Sensor Connector

Unplug sensor connector while watching live data. If temperature drops to -40°F (-40°C), the sensor itself is shorted. on the Mercedes-Benz GLE equipped with 2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580.

Required Tool: OBD-II Scanner
03
Inspect Wiring Harness

If reading stays pegged at max with sensor unplugged, inspect harness for pinch points grounding against engine block. on the Mercedes-Benz GLE equipped with 2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580.

Required Tool: Digital Multimeter
04
Replace Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

Allow engine to cool, unscrew old ECT sensor from coolant crossover pipe or thermostat housing, install new OEM sensor with fresh thread sealant. on the Mercedes-Benz GLE equipped with 2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580.

Required Tool: 19mm Deep Socket, Ratchet, Coolant Catch Pan
05
Top off Coolant & Clear Codes

Bleed air from cooling system, clear DTCs, and verify normal temperature rise on live data. on the Mercedes-Benz GLE equipped with 2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580.

Required Tool: Coolant Funnel Kit, OBD-II Scanner
Recommended Parts & Testing Tools

Equipment for Diagnosing Mercedes-Benz GLE (P0117)

Prime Fast Delivery & Verified Fitment
Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

VVT Oil Control Solenoid Valve

4.6 / 5.0 (Direct Fit)

Restores accurate camshaft timing and oil pressure regulation on Mercedes-Benz GLE.

$34 – $65 Prime
Check Fitment on Amazon
Sensor Signal Voltage Meter

AstroAI Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter

4.6 / 5.0 (Best Seller)

Essential for testing 0.1V–5.0V sensor reference signals, ground continuity (<0.20Ω), and harness resistance.

$29.99 Prime
View on Amazon
Top Mobile OBD-II Scanner

BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool

4.7 / 5.0 (50,000+ Reviews)

Reads and clears enhanced codes (ABS, Airbag, Transmission, Engine) & live freeze-frame telemetry on phone.

Compare OEM & Aftermarket Replacement Sensors for Mercedes-Benz GLEVerified direct-fit pricing from Denso, Bosch, Motorcraft, and ACDelco on Amazon.
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Other Common Fault Codes on Mercedes-Benz GLE

Frequently diagnosed powertrain, emissions, and sensor trouble codes logged on the Mercedes-Benz GLE:

4. Mercedes-Benz GLE P0117 FAQs

What causes code P0117 to trigger on a Mercedes-Benz GLE?

On the Mercedes-Benz GLE (2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLE 450 375HP) / 4.0L V8 GLE 580), P0117 is most frequently caused by ECT sensor internal short to ground or Short circuit to ground in ECT signal wiring harness.

Where is the OBD-II port located on my Mercedes-Benz GLE?

On the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the 16-pin DLC diagnostic connector is located Driver footwell directly above parking brake pedal. Plug in any standard OBD-II scanner with the ignition in the ON position to read freeze-frame parameters.

Can I safely drive my Mercedes-Benz GLE with code P0117?

No. The ECU thinks the engine is at 280°F+ (overheating) and runs rich or disables cooling fan logic. Given that P0117 carries a High severity rating, we advise avoiding heavy towing or aggressive throttle inputs until sensor readings are verified.