2017 Nissan TITAN Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2017 Nissan TITAN: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2017 Nissan TITAN has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2017 Nissan TITAN has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the first steps to diagnose the check engine light on a 2017 Nissan TITAN?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2017 Nissan TITAN, the first step is to conduct a thorough visual inspection. Start by checking the gas cap; ensure it is securely tightened and free from damage, as a faulty gas cap is a common and easily fixable issue that can trigger the light. If the gas cap is in good condition, the next step involves using an OBD-II scanner to connect to your vehicle's OBD port. This tool will help you retrieve the specific error code associated with the check engine light, providing a clearer direction for your diagnosis. Once you have the error code, take the time to research its meaning through your vehicle's manual or reputable online resources, as this will help you understand the potential issues at hand. Additionally, pay attention to any other symptoms your vehicle may exhibit, such as strange noises or performance changes, as these can offer valuable clues. If, after these steps, the problem remains unclear or seems too complex, it may be wise to consult a professional mechanic for further assistance. By following this structured approach, you can effectively begin diagnosing the check engine light issue on your Nissan TITAN.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2017 Nissan TITAN?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2017 Nissan TITAN, it signals that there may be underlying issues that require immediate attention. One of the most straightforward problems to check is a loose gas cap, which can often be tightened to resolve the warning. However, if the light persists, it may indicate more complex issues such as a faulty oxygen sensor, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency and increase emissions. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can trigger the light, suggesting a failure or inefficiency that needs to be addressed. The mass airflow sensor is another critical component; if it malfunctions, it can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to the check engine light activation. Engine misfires caused by faulty spark plugs or ignition coils can also illuminate the light, as can a malfunctioning thermostat that may cause the engine to overheat. To maintain the performance and longevity of your Nissan TITAN, it is vital to diagnose and rectify the root cause of the check engine light promptly.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2017 Nissan TITAN?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2017 Nissan TITAN, it signals a need for immediate attention to avoid escalating issues that could compromise your vehicle's performance and safety. Ignoring this warning can lead to a cascade of problems, including reduced fuel efficiency and engine performance, which may ultimately result in costly repairs. The light often indicates underlying issues with the engine or emissions system that, if left unaddressed, could lead to severe engine damage or even safety hazards while driving. Therefore, it is crucial to have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. By taking prompt action, you not only safeguard your vehicle's integrity but also ensure a safer driving experience, preventing further complications down the road.

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2017 Nissan TITAN Check Engine Light Causes & Solutions