DTC Confirmation Test (Overall Function Check - DTC P1217)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Nissan Sentra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Ensure vehicle does not overheat during confirmation test procedure.

NOTE: Use the following test to check overall function of cooling fan. During this test, DTC may not be confirmed.

Malfunction is detected when engine overheats or coolant was added without using proper filling method. Possible causes are:

Cooling fan circuit open or shorted or poor connections.
Defective cooling fan and/or fan motor.
Coolant leak.
Radiator plugged.
Defective radiator cap.
Defective water pump.
Defective thermostat.

Allow engine to cool. Check coolant level in reservoir tank and radiator. If coolant level is low, perform DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE . If coolant level is okay, go to next step.
Ask customer if they have filled cooling system. If cooling system has been filled, perform DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE . If cooling system has not been filled, go to next step.
Start engine. Turn A/C on. Move temperature lever to full cold position. Turn blower motor on. Run engine a few minutes with A/C running. If cooling fans are operating at low speed, go to next step. If cooling fans do not operate at low speed, perform DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE .
Turn ignition off. Turn A/C and blower motor off. Disconnect ECT sensor harness connector. See Figure. Connect a 150 ohm resistor between ECT sensor harness connector terminals. Start engine. Cooling fans should operate at a higher speed that in previous step. If cooling fans operate as specified, problem may be intermittent. See TESTING PROCEDURE under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. If cooling fans do not operate as specified, perform DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE .