What P0297 means
P means powertrain (engine and transmission). The 0 marks a generic code defined by SAE, so the same number means the same thing across makes. The third character, 2, places it in the fuel and air metering, injector circuits subsystem; the last two digits identify the specific fault.
These codes record that engine speed or vehicle speed exceeded a limit set by the manufacturer. They describe an event, which may have been genuine (a missed gear, a downshift at speed) or caused by a faulty speed signal.
What “Overspeed Condition” means here
The module recorded speed above a manufacturer-set limit. Decide first whether it actually happened; if not, the speed signal itself is suspect.
What you may notice
Symptoms depend on the vehicle and on how the module responds to the fault. Any of these can accompany P0297:
- Often none after the event
- Speedometer or tachometer behaving erratically if a signal is faulty
Where to start diagnosing P0297
- Consider whether the event was genuine, such as a missed shift on a manual transmission.
- If not, check the speed signal concerned: crank sensor for engine speed, wheel or output-shaft sensors for vehicle speed.
- Clear the code and see whether it returns.
Clear the code only after recording freeze frame data: it shows the engine speed, load and temperature at the moment the fault set, which is often the best clue to reproducing it.
Live data to watch
These standard OBD2 values relate to P0297. Support varies by vehicle; a value your car does not report will simply be missing.
| Value | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Engine RPM (PID 0x0C) | Look for spikes that do not match how the engine sounds. |
| Vehicle speed (PID 0x0D) | Compare with GPS speed for plausibility. |
Related codes
Codes from the same speed limiting monitor family. If several are stored together, the shared part — wiring, a common reference voltage, or the component itself — is the place to start.
| Code | Definition |
|---|---|
| P0219 | Engine Overspeed Condition |
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0297 mean?
P0297 is the generic SAE J2012 code for "Vehicle Overspeed Condition". In plain terms, it means the engine computer's speed limiting monitor monitor has reported "Vehicle Overspeed Condition".
Can I keep driving with P0297?
If the event was genuine, check the engine was not damaged. If a signal is faulty, have it diagnosed.
What should I check first for P0297?
Consider whether the event was genuine, such as a missed shift on a manual transmission.
Definition source: SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 generic DTC definitions. This is the generic meaning that applies across makes; a manufacturer can define a code more narrowly or add its own sub-codes, so confirm against the service information for your vehicle before replacing parts. Written by the OBDAssistant engineering team — see our editorial policy.