P1217Manufacturer-specific code

P1217 Code: Engine Overtemperature (Nissan)

On Nissan and Infiniti, the P1217 code means the engine is overheating. The cooling fan may not be working. Stop driving and let the engine cool down before you do anything else.

Severity
Critical
Can I keep driving?
No, stop and have it checked
Estimated cost
$10 to $900
Difficulty
Medium
System
Idle and Speed Control
Applies to
Depends on the manufacturer

Common in: Nissan

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

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What the P1217 code means

P1217 is a manufacturer-specific code: the 1 in the second position means each automaker defines what it stands for, not the generic standard. The most widespread definition is the one used by Nissan and Infiniti. If your vehicle is another brand, confirm the code text with a scan tool that supports that manufacturer.

ManufacturerMeaning of P1217
Nissan and InfinitiEngine overtemperature

Nissan sets the P1217 code when the coolant temperature goes over the limit or when the cooling fan does not work the way it should.

This is a serious warning: check the coolant level, the fans and the thermostat before you keep driving.

Before you repair anything, confirm the make, model, year and engine. With manufacturer codes, the same number can change even between engines from the same brand.

P1217 code symptoms

  • High temperature gauge.
  • Cooling fan not working.
  • Coolant loss.

Likely causes of the P1217 code

  1. Low coolant level. Check it with the engine cold.
  2. Fan or its relay. Swap it with an identical one to rule it out.
  3. Thermostat. Confirm it with the tests in the diagnosis section.
  4. Radiator cap. Confirm it with the tests in the diagnosis section.
  5. Clogged radiator. Confirm it with the tests in the diagnosis section.

How to diagnose the P1217 code step by step

  1. Let the engine cool and check the level.
  2. Activate the fan with the scan tool.
  3. Check the cap.

How to fix the P1217 code

  • Repair the leak or the fan.
  • Replace the thermostat or the cap, then clear the P1217 code and verify that the temperature stays normal.

Technical reference data

  • Operating temperature: 85 to 100 °C (185 to 212 °F).
  • P1xxx codes are manufacturer-specific: confirm the definition with a scan tool that supports your brand.
  • Values are approximate: check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

Common on the Sentra, Tsuru, Tiida, Versa, March, X-Trail, Altima and Frontier.

If your vehicle is another brand, check the table above for the meaning its manufacturer gives the code, and confirm it with a scan tool that supports that brand.

Frequently asked questions about P1217

What does the P1217 code mean on a Nissan?
It means the engine is overheating. The cooling fan may not be working.
Does P1217 mean the same thing on every brand?
No. It is a manufacturer code, and on other brands it may not exist or it may mean something else.
Can I drive with a P1217 code?
No. Pull over, shut the engine off and let it cool down. Driving an overheating engine can warp the cylinder head and wreck the engine.
How much does it cost to fix P1217?
On a Nissan the cost runs from about $10 to $900. A cap or coolant top-up is cheap, while a radiator, a water pump or head damage costs far more.
Will a P1217 code clear itself?
No. The engine will overheat again until the cause is found, such as low coolant, a dead fan, a stuck thermostat or a clogged radiator.
What is the most common cause of P1217?
Low coolant from a leak, or a cooling fan that does not turn on. Check both once the engine has cooled down.

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