P0117 on MINI
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
P0117 on MINI vehicles indicates engine coolant temperature sensor circuit low. Au7o has documented this code across 1 MINI model — most commonly on John Cooper Works. This code means the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is reading too low a voltage, which the computer interprets as an impossibly high coolant temperature. In most cases this is an electrical fault — such as a short to ground in the wiring — rather than the engine actually overheating. The coolant temperature signal affects fuel mixture, cooling fans, and other functions, so a bad reading can cause poor running, hard starting, or fans running constantly. The fault is usually in the sensor or its wiring. Typical repair costs on MINI range from $500 to $900, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0117
- •Faulty engine coolant temperature sensor
- •Short to ground in the sensor signal wire
- •Damaged or corroded wiring/connector at the sensor
- •Coolant contamination affecting the sensor
- •Poor electrical ground
- •Faulty PCM/ECM (less common)
P0117 on MINI by Model
MINI John Cooper Works(1 issue)
- Water Pump and Plastic Thermostat Housing Failure2008-2024
MINI JCW models across all generations suffer from premature water pump failure and cracking plastic thermostat housings. The thermostat housing is made entirely of plastic, which degrades from heat cycling and eventually cracks, causing coolant leaks. The water pump bearings and seals typically fail between 50,000-80,000 miles. Undetected coolant loss from either failure can lead to overheating and severe engine damage, especially on the turbocharged JCW engines that generate significant heat.
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View P0117 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0117 mean on MINI?▼
P0117 stands for "Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low." This code means the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is reading too low a voltage, which the computer interprets as an impossibly high coolant temperature. In most cases this is an electrical fault — such as a short to ground in the wiring — rather than the engine actually overheating. The coolant temperature signal affects fuel mixture, cooling fans, and other functions, so a bad reading can cause poor running, hard starting, or fans running constantly. The fault is usually in the sensor or its wiring. On MINI specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0117 on MINI vehicles?▼
Common causes on MINI: Faulty engine coolant temperature sensor, Short to ground in the sensor signal wire, Damaged or corroded wiring/connector at the sensor, Coolant contamination affecting the sensor, Poor electrical ground. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0117 on a MINI?▼
Repair costs on MINI range from $500 to $900, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which MINI models have P0117 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0117 on 1 MINI model: John Cooper Works.