AutoCodes – Nissan – P0117 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan

P0117 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low

Quick Answer

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is used to detect the engine coolant temperature. Common causes include Low engine coolant level, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, Faulty engine coolant thermostat. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0117 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan indicates Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low.
Common causes: Common causes include Low engine coolant level, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, Faulty engine coolant thermostat.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 6,426

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0117 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Description

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is used to detect the engine coolant temperature. The sensor modifies a voltage signal from the Engine Control Module (ECM). The modified signal returns to the ECM as the engine coolant temperature input. The sensor uses a thermistor which is sensitive to the change in temperature. The electrical resistance of the thermistor decreases as temperature increases.

OBDII Code P0117 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low - AutoCodes.com — P0117 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0117 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

Low engine coolant level
Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
Faulty engine coolant thermostat
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor harness is open or shorted
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0117 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0117 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0117 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0117 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Code

1. What does OBDII code P0117 on a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan mean?

- OBDII code P0117 indicates a problem with the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor circuit, reporting low voltage.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0117 in a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Common symptoms of P0117 include issues with engine performance, poor fuel economy, rough idling, and potential overheating.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0117 in a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- The common causes of P0117 include a faulty ECT sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the ECT circuit, low coolant levels, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code P0117 in my 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Diagnosing P0117 involves checking the ECT sensor for proper resistance values, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, verifying coolant levels, and scanning the ECM for related error codes.

5. Can OBDII code P0117 in a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan be fixed at home?

- Depending on your automotive repair skills, fixing P0117 at home is possible if you have the necessary tools, knowledge, and access to replacement parts like the ECT sensor or wiring components.

6. What are the recommended steps for repairing OBDII code P0117 in a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- The repair process for P0117 typically involves replacing the ECT sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, ensuring proper coolant levels, and clearing the error code using an OBDII scanner.

7. Is it safe to continue driving a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan with OBDII code P0117 triggered?

- It is not recommended to drive with P0117 active, as it can lead to potential engine overheating, reduced fuel efficiency, and further damage to engine components if left unresolved.

8. Can a low coolant level trigger OBDII code P0117 in a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Yes, a low coolant level can affect the ECT sensor readings and potentially trigger P0117 due to improper heat dissipation and inaccurate temperature measurements.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0117 on a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan at a professional auto repair shop?

- The cost of repairing P0117 at a professional auto repair shop can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

10. Are there any preventive maintenance tips to avoid triggering OBDII code P0117 in a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Regularly checking coolant levels, monitoring engine temperature gauges, and addressing any cooling system issues promptly can help prevent triggering P0117 in your Nissan Altima Sedan.