AutoCodes – Infiniti – P1217 Infiniti

P1217 Infiniti Code - Engine Over Temperature

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the cooling fan corresponding to the vehicle speed, engine coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure, and air conditioner ON signal. Common causes include Faulty Thermostat, Faulty cooling fan motor, Cooling fan harness is open or shorted. 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
P1217 Infiniti indicates Engine Over Temperature.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Thermostat, Faulty cooling fan motor, Cooling fan harness is open or shorted.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 59,166
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 14, 2019
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Code P1217 Infiniti Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the cooling fan corresponding to the vehicle speed, engine coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure, and air conditioner ON signal. The control system has 3-step control [HIGH/LOW/OFF].
If the cooling fan or another component in the cooling system malfunctions, engine coolant temperature will rise. When the engine coolant temperature reaches an abnormally high temperature condition, a malfunction is indicated.
OBDII Code P1217 Infiniti - Engine Over Temperature - AutoCodes.com
P1217 Infiniti Code - Engine Over Temperature

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1217 Infiniti?

  • Faulty Thermostat
  • Faulty cooling fan motor
  • Cooling fan harness is open or shorted
  • Cooling fan circuit poor electrical connection
  • Engine Control Module (ECM) Program
  • Leaking radiator hose
  • Leaking or clogged radiator
  • Radiator cap
  • Leaking or damage Water pump

How to Fix the DTC P1217 Infiniti?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1217 Infiniti 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 P1217 Infiniti code?

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Information for Specific Infiniti Models

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 P1217 Infiniti Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1217 (Infiniti) related to engine over temperature?

The common symptoms include the engine overheating, the temperature gauge showing a high reading, and possible coolant leaks.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1217 (Infiniti) indicating engine over temperature?

Possible causes include a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty cooling fan, low coolant levels, a defective water pump, or a problem with the radiator.

3. How serious is OBDII code P1217 (Infiniti) and engine over temperature?

Ignoring this code can lead to serious engine damage due to overheating, including warped cylinder heads, blown head gaskets, or even a seized engine.

4. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code P1217 (Infiniti) present?

It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with this code present as it can cause severe engine damage. It's best to address the issue promptly.

5. How can I diagnose and repair OBDII code P1217 (Infiniti) related to engine over temperature?

Diagnosing and repairing this code typically involves checking the coolant level, inspecting the cooling system components, testing the thermostat, and ensuring proper operation of the cooling fan.

6. Is it safe to continue driving my vehicle if the OBDII code P1217 (Infiniti) has been reset?

If the code has been reset but the underlying issue causing engine over temperature has not been addressed, it is not safe to continue driving the vehicle as the problem may recur.

7. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code P1217 (Infiniti) indicating engine over temperature?

The cost of repairs for this code can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue. It's best to consult with a mechanic for an accurate estimate.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P1217 (Infiniti) themselves?

Depending on your level of mechanical expertise, some DIY enthusiasts may be able to address this code by checking and replacing components like the thermostat or cooling fan. However, complex issues may require professional assistance.

9. What preventative maintenance can help prevent OBDII code P1217 (Infiniti) from occurring?

Regularly checking and maintaining the cooling system, including checking coolant levels, inspecting for leaks, and ensuring proper operation of cooling system components, can help prevent this code from occurring.

10. Will resetting the OBDII code P1217 (Infiniti make the issue go away permanently?

Resetting the code without addressing the underlying issue causing engine over temperature will not make the problem go away permanently. It's crucial to diagnose and repair the root cause of the issue to prevent it from recurring.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P1217 Infiniti OBDII Code

  • I have a 2008 Infiniti m35x and I currently have the p1217 code. I replaced the thermostat and the radiator and cap. It is still overheating. Should I replace the engine coolant sensor?

  • You probably need to bleed the coolant system. You have to use an special tool to bleed the coolant system otherwise air trapped in coolant system will cause an overheat problem.

  • Thanks for sharing information in your blog

  • I have a 2016 Infinity QX50 with only 54,000 miles, the cars speed dropped and started jerking and went down to 20mph and wouldn't go over that speed, it started running hot. We stopped and loaded car on a trailer and took to Infinity Dealership next day. We were told it had a Radiator Tank Leak on right and left side of radiator tank, hoses were swollen, it had error code of P1217 Overheat. They recommended to replace radiator assembly, upper and lower radiator hoses, thermostat. They couldn't tell us WHY this happened in the first place. I researched and asked if they could do a PCM software update to address this issue, as the update would include revised cooling fan operating parameters. The research also stated failure to complete both service procedures may result in a repeated radiator failure. The Service Person told me specifically, "we do not have anything like that on our vehicles in regards to the cooling system"? This is weird, it's the COMPUTER OF THE CAR and Infinity should have this PCM Software in their vehicles. I need to know why this happened.

  • I'm not aware of any PCM software updates regarding the cooling system or the cooling fans. I have also checked all Infiniti Service Bulletins and a national database of repairs for your model and year, and there is no information about cooling system bulletins or PCM software updates either. More than likely the problem was just a radiator failure and as preventive maintenance, they are recommending the radiator hose and thermostat.

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