P0297Generic code

P0297 Code: Vehicle Overspeed Condition

The P0297 code means the vehicle went over the maximum speed programmed into its computer. It is usually just informational, but it can also point to a speed sensor reading wrong or to tires that are a different size than the computer expects. You can keep driving, and the fix is often free.

Severity
Low
Can I keep driving?
Yes, no immediate risk
Estimated cost
$0 to $200
Difficulty
Easy
System
Idle and Speed Control
Applies to
All OBD2 vehicles

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

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What the P0297 code means

The computer limits the top speed of the vehicle based on the model and the tires it was built with. If it detects a speed above that limit, it stores the P0297 code. If nobody was actually driving that fast, suspect the speed sensor or a tire size that is different from the one the computer was programmed for.

Some pickups and commercial vehicles have their top speed capped by the computer according to the speed rating of the tires or the vehicle setup. If wheels of a different diameter are fitted, the calculated speed changes. With smaller wheels the computer believes the vehicle is going faster than it really is, and it can store a P0297 code for no real reason.

P0297 code symptoms

  • Normally none.
  • Check engine light on.

Likely causes of the P0297 code

  1. The vehicle really was going over the limit.
  2. Speed sensor giving wrong readings.
  3. Tires of a different size than the one the computer was programmed for.

How to diagnose the P0297 code step by step

  1. Compare the speed shown on the scan tool with a GPS. If they disagree, the computer is reading the wrong speed.
  2. Check the speed sensor and its wiring and connector.
  3. Check the tire size and compare it with the size on the vehicle placard.

How to fix the P0297 code

  • Clear the code.
  • Repair the speed sensor, or reprogram the tire size if it was changed.
  • Reprogram the tire size with the scan tool if the tires or wheels were changed.

If the tires are the correct size and the speed readings match the GPS, the code was most likely recorded by a real overspeed event and nothing needs to be repaired.

Technical reference data

  • Check the speed limit in the manufacturer information for your vehicle.
  • These values are for orientation only. Check the manufacturer data for your engine.

Brand-specific notes

On some pickups the maximum speed has to be reprogrammed when the tire size is changed.

Frequently asked questions about P0297

Is the P0297 code serious?
It usually is not. It is a record that the vehicle went over its programmed speed, and it normally has no effect on how the engine runs.
Why does it appear if I was not driving fast?
Most likely because of a speed sensor reading wrong or because the tires are a different size than the one the computer was programmed for.
Can I drive with a P0297 code?
Yes. The code is informational and the vehicle drives normally, but it is worth checking the speed sensor and tire size so the speedometer and the computer agree.
How much does it cost to fix P0297?
From $0 to $200. Clearing the code costs nothing, and a speed sensor or a tire size reprogramming makes up the rest of that range.
What does the P0297 code mean?
It is a generic OBD2 code that means the vehicle exceeded the maximum speed set in the computer. It is a record of the event, not a failure of a part.
Will a P0297 code clear itself?
If the cause was a one-time overspeed, the check engine light may go out after several normal drive cycles. If the cause is a wrong tire size or a bad sensor, the code comes back until that is corrected.

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