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P0117 on RAM 1500 TRX

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low

Factory diagnostic protocol and troubleshooting wire for fault code P0117 specifically for the RAM 1500 TRX (2021–2024, 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2)).

Verified OEM Telemetry & Field Repair Tree
RAM 1500 TRX2021–2024
RAM 1500 TRX
Truck6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2)
Reliability
Sensor Voltage Ref
0.1V – 5.0V Ref
1500 TRX 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 RAM Model:
Diagnose P0117 on Specific 1500 TRX Model Year:

1. Symptoms of P0117 on RAM 1500 TRX

When the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) on your RAM 1500 TRX (6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2)) logs fault code P0117, drivers commonly observe:

Check Engine Light on on RAM 1500 TRX (6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2))
Radiator radiator fans running constantly at high speed on RAM 1500 TRX (6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2))
Temperature gauge pegged at maximum H or not reading on RAM 1500 TRX (6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2))
Engine hard starting when cold (flooding from excess fuel) on RAM 1500 TRX (6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2))
Poor gas mileage and rough idling on RAM 1500 TRX (6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2))
RAM 1500 TRX OBD-II Port Location
The 16-pin diagnostic connector is located Driver lower dash assembly next to hood release lever. Plug in your scan tool to verify freeze-frame sensor values.

2. Most Likely Causes on RAM 1500 TRX

Historical warranty claims and technical repair bulletins for RAM 1500 TRX point to the following failure distribution:

55%
ECT sensor internal short to ground (RAM OEM Part)
25%
Short circuit to ground in ECT signal wiring harness (RAM OEM Part)
12%
Damaged, corroded, or water-contaminated ECT connector (RAM OEM Part)
8%
Faulty PCM / ECM analog input circuit (RAM OEM Part)
* Source: Synthesized from NHTSA ODI field repair telemetry and verified OEM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) repair tree frequency percentiles for RAM 1500 TRX.

3. Step-by-Step DIY Repair Guide for RAM 1500 TRX

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 RAM 1500 TRX equipped with 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2).

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 RAM 1500 TRX equipped with 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2).

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 RAM 1500 TRX equipped with 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2).

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 RAM 1500 TRX equipped with 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2).

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 RAM 1500 TRX equipped with 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2).

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

Equipment for Diagnosing RAM 1500 TRX (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 RAM 1500 TRX.

$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 RAM 1500 TRXVerified direct-fit pricing from Denso, Bosch, Motorcraft, and ACDelco on Amazon.
Find Parts on Amazon
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Other Common Fault Codes on RAM 1500 TRX

Frequently diagnosed powertrain, emissions, and sensor trouble codes logged on the RAM 1500 TRX:

4. RAM 1500 TRX P0117 FAQs

What causes code P0117 to trigger on a RAM 1500 TRX?

On the RAM 1500 TRX (6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (702HP / 650 lb-ft / Bilstein Black Hawk e2)), 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 RAM 1500 TRX?

On the RAM 1500 TRX, the 16-pin DLC diagnostic connector is located Driver lower dash assembly next to hood release lever. Plug in any standard OBD-II scanner with the ignition in the ON position to read freeze-frame parameters.

Can I safely drive my RAM 1500 TRX 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.