P0117 on Nissan
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
P0117 on Nissan vehicles indicates engine coolant temperature sensor circuit low. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Nissan model — most commonly on NV. 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 Nissan range from $200 to $600, 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 Nissan by Model
Nissan NV(1 issue)
- Radiator Plastic End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leak2012-2021
The Nissan NV cargo van uses a radiator with plastic end tanks that develop cracks from heat cycling and vibration inherent to commercial van use. The cracks typically form at the crimp joint between the plastic tank and aluminum core. The V8 NV 2500/3500 models are more susceptible due to higher operating temperatures, especially when loaded to capacity. A cracked radiator causes gradual coolant loss that can lead to overheating if not caught early.
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View P0117 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0117 mean on Nissan?▼
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 Nissan specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0117 on Nissan vehicles?▼
Common causes on Nissan: 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 Nissan?▼
Repair costs on Nissan range from $200 to $600, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Nissan models have P0117 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0117 on 1 Nissan model: NV.