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2002 Nissan Sentra 1.8L Stalls & Won't Start: P1217, P0506, P0138, P0158, P0117, P0139, P1146 Fault Codes Explained

Model: 2002 nissan sentra Fault Code: P0117 Posted: 2016-04-18 15:05

Hello! I have a 2002 Nissan Sentra 1.8L that won't start — it turns over but fails to ignite. My OBD2 scanner shows eight fault codes: P1217, P0507, P0138, P0158, P0117, P0139, and P1146. I'm trying to understand what could be causing this issue. The car has been acting up gradually after exposure to flooded conditions. I suspect water damage may have played a role in triggering these codes simultaneously. Here's a breakdown of the codes: - P0117: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor malfunction - P0138 & P0158 & P0139: Oxygen (O2) sensor readings outside normal range - P0507: Idle Control System (ICS) failure — indicates poor idle stability - P1146: High voltage detected in the O2 sensor, possibly indicating sensor degradation or wiring issues - P1217: Engine overheated condition — suggests possible cooling system failure or thermal sensor fault The car started showing symptoms after driving through shallow water (about 2 inches deep). After that, it would occasionally stall, feel like it was 'suffocating,' and then restart. On one occasion, while driving uphill, the throttle pedal felt unresponsive and the engine sounded like it was redlining at very low RPM. The temperature gauge rose sharply — I opened the hood, turned on heat, let it cool down, and after a few minutes, it would turn over briefly and idle before dying. I’ve noticed that the check engine light has been on since my father owned the vehicle. We've taken it to shops that reset the ECU, but the code persists. I don’t have full ownership history or technical knowledge of prior repairs. I’m looking for guidance on how to diagnose these codes — especially whether water damage could be affecting sensors or wiring. Any advice on next steps (like checking coolant levels, inspecting oil for coolant contamination, testing fuses) would be greatly appreciated.

Related fault codes
P0117P0138P0139P0507P1146P1217
Comments (4)
Anonymous 2016-04-18 15:55

All these codes appeared suddenly — is it possible they weren't present before? P0117 (ECT sensor), P0138/P0158/P0139 (O2 sensor readings), P0507 (idle control system), P1146 (high voltage O2 sensor), and P1217 (engine overheated). The sudden appearance raises concern — it's unlikely all these faults occurred at once without prior issues. Did the engine overheat? That would explain P1217 and possibly ECT sensor failure.

Anonymous 2016-04-18 16:45

The car started behaving oddly after driving through shallow floodwater (about 2 inches deep). Initially, it would stall intermittently, as if suffocating. I’d shut off the engine, check vacuum lines and air filter — no obvious issues. It would start fine for a few days before suddenly failing on a hill. The throttle felt unresponsive, and the engine made a high-pitched redlining sound at very low RPMs. Temperature gauge spiked — I opened the hood, turned on heat, let it cool down, and after a while, it turned over slightly and idled briefly before dying. Since then, it won’t start without being towed.

Anonymous 2016-04-18 16:47

The check engine light has been on since my father owned the vehicle. We’ve taken it to shops that reset the ECU multiple times — each time, the code returns. I don’t have full ownership history or access to prior repair records, so I’m limited in understanding what might have happened before.

Anonymous 2016-04-19 07:30

Professional diagnostics are recommended here. A thorough inspection using wiring diagrams, a digital voltmeter (DVOM), and test lights may be needed — this isn’t ideal for DIYers without experience. Key initial checks: coolant level, presence of coolant in engine oil (indicating possible leak or overheating). Also, inspect all fuses in the cabin and underhood fuse box after exposure to water — water damage could compromise electrical components.