AutoCodes – Nissan – P0117 Nissan

P0117 Nissan 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 Thermostat, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor. 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 Nissan indicates Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low.
Common causes: Common causes include Low engine coolant level, Faulty Engine Coolant Thermostat, Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
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 17,344

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 Sep 07, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0117 Nissan 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 that is sensitive to the change in temperature. The electrical resistance of the thermistor decreases as temperature increases. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when an excessively low voltage from the sensor is sent to ECM.

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0117 Nissan?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0117 Nissan?

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 Nissan 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 Nissan code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0117 Nissan code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0117 Nissan code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Nissan Models

P0117 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2004 Nissan Altima Sedan — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2005 Nissan Altima Sedan — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2006 Nissan Altima Sedan — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2008 Nissan Altima Sedan — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2010 Nissan Altima Sedan — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2004 Nissan Maxima — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2005 Nissan Maxima — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2006 Nissan Maxima — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2007 Nissan Maxima — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2008 Nissan Maxima — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2005 Nissan Pathfinder — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2006 Nissan Pathfinder — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2007 Nissan Pathfinder — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2008 Nissan Pathfinder — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2009 Nissan Pathfinder — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2010 Nissan Pathfinder — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2011 Nissan Pathfinder — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2012 Nissan Pathfinder — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2008 Nissan Rogue — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2009 Nissan Rogue — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2010 Nissan Rogue — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2011 Nissan Rogue — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2012 Nissan Rogue — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2013 Nissan Rogue — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2002 Nissan Sentra — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2003 Nissan Sentra — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2004 Nissan Sentra — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2005 Nissan Sentra — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2006 Nissan Sentra — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2007 Nissan Sentra — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2008 Nissan Sentra — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2009 Nissan Sentra — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2010 Nissan Sentra — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2011 Nissan Sentra — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2012 Nissan Sentra — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2007 Nissan Versa — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2008 Nissan Versa — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2009 Nissan Versa — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2010 Nissan Versa — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2011 Nissan Versa — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low
P0117 2012 Nissan Versa — Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low

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 Nissan Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan?

- Common symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, poor fuel economy, engine overheating, and the temperature gauge reading inaccurately.

2. What can cause the engine coolant temperature circuit to read low in a Nissan?

- Possible causes include a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor, a malfunctioning thermostat, a wiring issue, or a problem with the engine control module (ECM).

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0117 in my Nissan?

- You can use a multimeter to test the engine coolant temperature sensor, check the thermostat for proper operation, inspect the wiring for any damage, and scan the ECM for any related fault codes.

4. What are some repair tips for addressing OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan?

- Start by checking and replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor if necessary, ensure the thermostat is functioning correctly, repair any damaged wiring, and reset the ECM after making repairs.

5. Can driving with OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan cause further damage to the vehicle?

- Continuing to drive with a faulty engine coolant temperature circuit can potentially lead to engine overheating, poor performance, and increased fuel consumption, so it's best to address the issue promptly.

6. Will resetting the ECM clear OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan?

- Resetting the ECM may temporarily clear the fault code, but if the underlying issue causing code P0117 is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear after driving the vehicle.

7. Is it safe to ignore OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan?

- Ignoring OBDII code P0117 can lead to engine performance issues, potential overheating, and decreased fuel efficiency, so it's recommended to diagnose and repair the problem as soon as possible.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan?

- Many DIYers can address OBDII code P0117 by following diagnostic steps, replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor, checking the thermostat, and repairing any wiring issues with the proper tools and knowledge.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan at a mechanic?

- The cost of repairing OBDII code P0117 can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor at a mechanic's shop.

10. How long does it take to fix OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan?

- The repair time for OBDII code P0117 can vary based on the cause of the issue and the skill level of the person performing the repairs, but it typically takes around 1-2 hours to diagnose and fix the problem.

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan vehicle?

The common symptoms of OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan vehicle include high engine temperature readings on the dashboard, poor fuel economy, rough idling, and potential stalling.

2. What is the primary cause of OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan car?

The primary cause of OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan car is usually a malfunctioning engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P0117 in my Nissan vehicle?

To diagnose OBDII code P0117 in your Nissan vehicle, you can use an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, visually inspect the ECT sensor and its wiring for any damage, and test the sensor's resistance with a multimeter.

4. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan car?

Some repair tips for fixing OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan car include replacing the faulty ECT sensor, checking and repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, and ensuring the cooling system is functioning properly.

5. Can a faulty thermostat cause OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan vehicle?

Yes, a faulty thermostat can potentially cause OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan vehicle by affecting the engine coolant temperature readings and triggering the code.

6. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code P0117 present in a Nissan car?

It is not recommended to continue driving with OBDII code P0117 present in a Nissan car as it can lead to overheating issues and potential engine damage if left unresolved.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan vehicle make it go away permanently?

Resetting the OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan vehicle may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying issue with the ECT sensor or cooling system is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan vehicle?

Yes, a DIY enthusiast with the necessary tools and knowledge can often fix OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan vehicle by replacing the ECT sensor or addressing any wiring issues.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan car?

The cost to repair OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan car can vary depending on the root cause of the issue, but it generally ranges from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

10. Are there any preventive measures to avoid OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan vehicle?

To prevent OBDII code P0117 in a Nissan vehicle, it is recommended to perform regular maintenance on the cooling system, including checking coolant levels, replacing the thermostat as needed, and ensuring the ECT sensor is in good working condition.