P1217: Engine over-temperature condition on Nissan (a cooling system fault, not a transmission fault)
Nissan P1217 engine over temperature
Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected
The code reports an overheating engine and owners report stalling and low coolant, but we found no source that sets how long the engine can run.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: The temperature gauge or warning shows overheating, steam or coolant loss appears, or the engine stalls or loses power.
P1217 in short
On Nissan, P1217 means the engine computer saw an over-temperature condition, so this is a cooling fault, not a transmission one. Owners found low coolant and a dead cooling fan, and one engine stalled while driving. If the gauge is high or steam appears, stop and let it cool before anything else.
P1217 is Nissan for an engine over-temperature condition. The number sits in a block that scan tools often file under transmission, but the owner readouts and a Nissan bulletin all describe an overheating engine.
A Nissan bulletin for the 2013-2014 Sentra says P1217 may store when the radiator fan does not run because a 40A fusible link is open; the repair there is a computer update, a new link and a new fan assembly. Rogue and Rogue Sport owners found a bad cooling fan and low coolant.
Because overheating can damage the engine, treat a high gauge or steam as a stop-driving sign. Do not open the cooling system while it is hot.
Pick your make
P1217 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.
Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Cooling fan not running (fan, fusible link or related)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- A Nissan bulletin ties P1217 to a fan that does not run on a 2013-2014 Sentra, and a 2019 Rogue Sport owner had a faulty fan replaced.
- What would change this
- Rises if the fan stays off with a hot engine or the fusible link is open. Falls if the fan runs normally.
Cause 2: Low coolant or a coolant leak
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Two owners had low coolant when the code was read, and one dealer pressure-tested the system.
- What would change this
- Rises if the level is low or a pressure test shows a leak. Falls if coolant is full and holds pressure.
Cause 3: Old engine computer software (Sentra)
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- The Sentra bulletin adds a computer reprogram for matching part numbers, but only alongside the fan repair.
- What would change this
- Rises only on 2013-2014 Sentra with a matching computer part number.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Check the temperature gauge and whether the engine is running hot, steaming or losing coolant, then park and let the engine cool fully.
Warning:Never open the radiator or coolant cap on a hot engine; hot coolant can spray and cause burns.
IfGauge is high, steam shows or coolant is on the ground
It meansDo not drive; have it towed to a shop.
IfGauge normal and the code is stored
It meansCheck coolant level and fan operation soon.
Step 2: With the engine fully cool, check the coolant level and look for leaks.
Warning:Hot coolant can scald; wait until the engine is cold before opening the reservoir.
IfCoolant is low or leaks
It meansHave the system pressure-tested.
IfCoolant is full
It meansCheck whether the cooling fan runs.
Step 3: Have a shop check that the cooling fan runs when it should and test the fan fuse or fusible link.
Warning:Cooling fans can start without warning; keep hands clear and disconnect power before touching the fan.
IfFan does not run or the fusible link is open
It meansRepair the fan circuit or fan assembly.
Points to: Cooling fan not running (fan, fusible link or related)
IfFan works and the engine still overheats
It meansPressure-test the system and check for a computer update.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Temperature gauge high or steam Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Engine stalls or loses power Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
How to fix
Step 1: If the gauge is high, stop driving and let the engine cool fully before checking anything.
Warning:Do not open the radiator or coolant cap on a hot engine.
On your vehicle
NissanYour car
2013–2014 · Sentra
Supported by vehicle dataBulletin NTB15020 covers an overheating engine with a dead radiator fan and a possible P1217.
2018–2019 · Rogue Sport
Supported by vehicle dataRogue Sport owners report P1217 with a stalled engine, low coolant and a faulty cooling fan.
2021 · Rogue
Supported by vehicle dataA 2021 Rogue dealer read P1217 with P0300, found low coolant and pressure-tested the system.
NTB15020Status unverified
Engine over temperature with the radiator fan not running
2013–2014sentra · NHTSA 10192548
If the engine overheats, the fan does not run and the 40A fusible link is open, reprogram the computer for matching part numbers, replace the link and replace the fan assembly; P1217 may be stored.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P1217 yet.
Sources and review
- NHTSA complaint 2187589: 2019 Nissan Rogue Sport, P1217
- NHTSA complaint 2226112: 2021 Nissan Rogue, P1217 and P0300
- Nissan bulletin NTB15020: engine over temperature with the radiator fan not running
- NHTSA complaint 1722798: 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport, P1217
- P1217 manufacturer-specific definitions
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error