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If you are confused about the code P1217, you have come to the right place. The code indicates overheating issues on Nissan cars. In this article, I have covered everything related to it, including the potential causes behind the overheating and how to fix it.
Meaning and Causes Behind the Code P1217 on Nissan Cars
As mentioned in the intro, P1217 is an overheating code that can be seen on Various Nissan models such as Altima, Murano, Rogue, Pathfinder, and more. The overheating can be a result of several things, such as cooling system failure, radiator issues, cooling fan problems, head gasket failure, and more.
How to Fix It?
To fix the problem and clear the code, you would need to identify the cause behind overheating and fix the component causing it. Below, I have mentioned the solutions in detail:
1) Check Coolant Level
Coolant is a green or red-colored fluid in a car; it absorbs heat by circulating in the engine and radiator. If the coolant level is low, the heat will not be absorbed properly, and the engine will heat up.
Make sure you check the coolant level. If the coolant level is low, check for coolant leaks. Coolant can leak from multiple places in your car. So you must check the coolant reservoir, hoses, the radiator, etc.
2) Check the Thermostat
The cooling system of a car includes several components, such as a water pump, thermostat, etc. If any component stops working, the system will fail to cool the engine, resulting in overheating, which means the P1217 code.
In some cases, the thermostat can get stuck in the closed position, which can prevent coolant from circulating and cooling the engine. Replacing it will fix the overheating issue.
3) Inspect the Radiator
The radiator, a key cooling system component, can have major issues, such as getting clogged or developing cracks. If the radiator is clogged, you can flush it and replace it if it’s damaged.
4) Check the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS)
If the Engine coolant temperature sensor (ECTS) measures the engine coolant temperature. It sends the data to the Engine control unit (ECU), and the ECU controls functions like fuel injection timing, air/fuel mixture, etc, based on the data.
If the ECTS sensor starts malfunctioning, it may provide inaccurate readings, which would result in the Engine control unit (ECU) triggering the code.
If the sensor is not providing correct temperature readings, make sure you replace it.
5) Check the Cooling Fans
Cooling fans are one of the most important components of a vehicle’s cooling system. If they stop working due to a faulty relay, fan motor, or control circuit, the engine temperature will increase and would result in the P1217 overheating code.
Make sure you properly check the cooling fans; they should start spinning when the engine reaches operating temperature if they do not. You will have to replace/repair them.
6) Inspect the Exhaust System
Although this is rare, please do not ignore it. A blocked exhaust can raise engine temperature and cause overheating. Make sure the exhaust system has no clogging.
7) Check the Head Gasket
A blown head gasket can cause coolant leaks, which would result in overheating. The symptoms of a blown head gasket are usually white smoke from the exhaust, coolant leaks, and coolant mixing with engine oil that looks like a milky fluid.
To determine if the head gasket is blown, you can do a compression test.