Since the mid-2000s, the crossover Nissan Murano gained popularity due to its futuristic design and smooth ride provided by the CVT. However, owners often encounter an unpleasant situation when the Check Engine indicator lights up on the dashboard and the scanner issues a code P1700. This signal indicates a critical problem in the transmission control circuit that could result in complete transmission failure if not addressed immediately.
Feature Nissan Murano of the first and second generations is to use torque converter automatic transmissions and continuously variable transmissions, sensitive to oil quality and the condition of sensors. Code P1700 most often indicates problems with the input shaft speed sensor or the solenoid control circuit. Ignoring this signal may result in the vehicle going into limp mode, where it will only drive in one gear with severely limited power, making further driving dangerous.
What does the P1700 code mean and how does it manifest itself?
Error code P1700 in the technical description of the systems Nissan interpreted as a "Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Circuit" or a problem in the transmission speed sensor (TSS) circuit. In context Nissan Murano This often means that the electronic transmission control module (TCM) is not receiving the correct CVT or torque converter input shaft speed data.
When the system detects an open circuit or an incorrect signal, it attempts to compensate for the loss of data by switching the solenoids to the emergency position. The driver notices sharp jerks when changing gears, loss of acceleration dynamics, or a complete lack of response to the gas pedal. In some cases, the car may not move at all, despite the engine running.
It is important to understand that the error P1700 rarely occurs on its own. It is often accompanied by other codes such as P1720 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor) or P1770 (Torque Converter Lockup Solenoid). A comprehensive analysis of all errors is necessary for accurate diagnosis, since replacing one sensor may not solve the problem if the valve body or wiring is to blame.
⚠️ Warning: If the Check Engine light comes on in combination with the transmission indicator light on your instrument panel, stop driving immediately. Operation Nissan Murano with error P1700 can lead to destruction of the variator belt or combustion of solenoids.
The main causes of error P1700
Range of reasons causing failure P1700 on a crossover Nissan Murano, is quite wide and ranges from banal oxidation of contacts to expensive replacement of the valve body. Most often the problem lies in the electrical part, but mechanical faults also play a role. Understanding the hierarchy of probable breakdowns will help save time and budget for repairs.
- 🔌 Oxidation or damage to contacts in the transmission speed sensor connector due to moisture or dirt.
- ⚙️ Wear of the input shaft speed sensor itself (Input Speed Sensor), which is a consumable item.
- 💧 Leakage of CVT transmission fluid, leading to a drop in oil level and overheating of the solenoids.
- 🧠 TCM control unit software failure, requiring flashing or replacement.
Particular attention should be paid to the wiring. In the engine compartment Nissan Murano The wiring harness runs close to hot engine components and can rub against the housing, causing a short circuit or open circuit. This is a common cause of false positives. P1700, which is easy to miss during a superficial inspection.
Also, the cause may be a clogged oil filter or wear of the clutches, which changes the hydraulic pressure in the system. The control unit detects a discrepancy between switching commands and the actual speed of rotation of the shafts, interpreting this as an error in the sensor circuit. In such cases, simply replacing the sensor will not help; a major overhaul will be required.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to reset the P1700 error by simply disconnecting the battery. This will temporarily hide the problem, but will not eliminate the cause, which will cause the error to reappear with more serious consequences for the transmission.
Stages of diagnostics and testing of the electrical circuit
The first step when the code appears P1700 There should be a thorough visual and instrumental check of the electrical circuit. You need to locate the transmission speed sensor, usually located on the side of the transmission housing. Disconnect the connector and carefully inspect the contacts for oxidation, corrosion, or physical damage.
Use a multimeter to check wiring integrity. It is necessary to measure the resistance at the sensor and test the circuits from the sensor connector to the TCM control unit connector. The resistance of a working sensor is usually in the range from 200 to 1000 Ohm, but the exact values should be clarified in the technical documentation for the specific engine model and year of manufacture.
If the resistance is normal, check the supply voltage at the connector with the ignition on. Lack of voltage will indicate an open circuit in the power supply or a faulty relay. Also check the ground (ground) of the sensor, as poor ground connections often cause floating errors that are difficult to diagnose.
Sometimes the problem lies not in the sensor, but in the control unit itself. In rare cases, solder joints inside the TCM may come loose due to thermal expansion, requiring the pins on the board to be re-soldered. This is a more complex repair that requires the qualifications of an electronics engineer specializing in automotive control units.
- Error P1700
- Jerks when switching
- Noise in transmission
- CVT overheating
Mechanical faults and hydraulic part
If the electrical test does not produce results, you need to move on to diagnosing the mechanical and hydraulic parts of the transmission. B Nissan Murano with Jatco variator errors P1700 often associated with the operation of the valve body (valve plate). The solenoids that control pressure may stick or fail, preventing the sensors from working properly.
Removing and disassembling the valve body allows you to inspect the solenoids and valves. Old oil containing friction wear products and metal shavings can clog thin channels in the plate. Cleaning the solenoids in an ultrasonic bath and replacing the filter element often solves the problem without replacing expensive components.
An important aspect is checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid. CVT fluid should have a specific red color and no burning odor. If the oil is dark, thick, or contains metal particles, this indicates internal wear. In this case, changing the oil may not help, and the variator will need to be repaired or replaced.
It is also worth checking the belt tension and the condition of the cones. If the belt slips, the speed sensor may record incorrect values, which leads to an error. However, this is usually accompanied by additional symptoms such as abnormal noise or vibration.
☑️ Checklist for hydraulic unit diagnostics
Procedure for repairing and replacing sensors
If the speed sensor is confirmed to be faulty, it must be replaced. Replacement process Nissan Murano relatively simple, but requires care to avoid damaging adjacent components. Remove the air filter and attachments if they interfere with access to the transmission housing.
Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt and carefully remove it from its seat. Install the new sensor using the tightening torque specified by the manufacturer (usually approx. 10-15 Nm). Do not overtighten the bolt, as the sensor body may crack, causing another leak or damaged threads.
After installing a new sensor, be sure to connect a diagnostic scanner and clear the error memory. Then start the engine and check the transmission in various driving modes. Make sure the error P1700 does not return and gear shifts smoothly.
If the problem is not resolved by replacing the sensor, the next step may be to replace or repair the valve body. This is a more labor-intensive procedure that requires draining the oil, removing the pan, and removing the valve plate. It is recommended that this work be carried out by a specialist experienced in working with Jatco CVTs.
Is it worth changing the sensor yourself?
If you have basic auto tool skills and access to a lift, replacing the speed sensor should not be difficult. However, if the problem is in the valve body or electronics, it is better to entrust the work to professionals to avoid costly mistakes.
Transmission prevention and maintenance
To avoid the error reappearing P1700, it is necessary to comply with the transmission maintenance regulations Nissan Murano. Regular transmission fluid changes are key to CVT longevity. It is recommended to change the oil every 40,000 - 60,000 km mileage, and not once every 100,000 km, as some services sometimes claim.
- 🛢️ Use only original Nissan NS-2 or NS-3 CVT fluid, depending on the model and year of manufacture.
- 🌡️ Monitor the operating temperature of the transmission, especially when driving in traffic jams or off-road.
- 🔧 Regularly check the condition of the wiring and connectors in the engine compartment.
- 🚗 Avoid aggressive driving and sudden starts from a standstill, which create peak loads on the belt.
Timely replacement of the oil filter in the transmission pan is also critical. A clogged filter reduces oil pressure, which leads to overheating and failure of solenoids and sensors. Every time you change the oil, be sure to change the filter and also wash the pan to remove metal shavings.
It is also important to monitor the condition of the engine. Unstable engine operation can cause jerking, which the system perceives as a transmission malfunction. Regular diagnostics of the internal combustion engine helps eliminate false alarms related to the transmission.
| Component | Resource (km) | Symptoms of wear | Replacement cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Sensor (TSS) | 100 000+ | Error P1700, jerking | Low |
| Hydraulic unit | 150 000+ | Switching delays, shocks | High |
| Gear oil | 60 000 | Noise, overheating | Average |
| Automatic transmission filter | 60 000 | Pressure drop | Average |
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used one Nissan Murano Be sure to check the transmission service history. A lack of oil change records may indicate underlying P1700 code problems that will appear in the near future.
Specifics of repairs for different generations of Murano
Even though the code P1700 is universal, approaches to eliminating it may vary depending on the generation of the crossover. In the first generation (Z50), the problem is often due to outdated wiring and sensor designs that are susceptible to moisture and vibration. Here the emphasis is on checking connectors and replacing sensors with more modern analogues.
The second generation (Z51) and third (Z52) use more advanced Jatco CVTs, but they are more sensitive to the quality of the oil and the condition of the valve body. There is an error in these models P1700 more often indicates problems with the electronics of the control unit or jammed solenoids due to contamination. Repair requires the use of specialized equipment for flashing and adaptation.
For owners Nissan Murano with diesel engines (rare examples for some markets), diagnostics may have their own characteristics associated with differences in the transmission control system. In such cases, it is necessary to refer to the manufacturer's official technical bulletins to avoid mistakes when troubleshooting.
It is also worth noting that on some 4x4 all-wheel drive models the problem may be related to the rear axle coupling, which also has its own speed sensors. Error P1700 in this case, it may be erroneous and indicate problems in the torque distribution system, and not in the main gearbox.
When replacing the speed sensor on a Nissan Murano, it is recommended to immediately replace the O-ring. The old ring may crack when removed, causing oil leakage and further problems.
Regularly changing the oil and filter in the variator is the most effective way to prevent error P1700 and extend the life of the Nissan Murano transmission by tens of thousands of kilometers.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to drive with P1700?
Driving with error P1700 is highly not recommended. The transmission may go into emergency mode, which will limit the speed and dynamics of the car, making driving on the highway dangerous. In addition, ignoring the error can lead to complete failure of the variator.
How much does it cost to repair error code P1700?
The cost of repairs varies greatly. Replacing a speed sensor will cost from 2 to 5 thousand rubles including labor. If the problem is in the valve body or solenoids, the price can reach 30-50 thousand rubles. Overhauling a variator costs significantly more.
Do I need to reset errors after repair?
Yes, after replacing faulty components, you must reset the errors through the diagnostic scanner. In addition, the CVT may need to be adapted to allow the control unit to re-learn the characteristics of the new transmission.
Which oil is best to use for Nissan Murano?
For Nissan Murano CVTs, it is recommended to use original Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 (for older models) or NS-3 (for new ones). Using analogues can lead to rapid belt wear and errors, including P1700.
Will changing the oil solve the P1700 problem?
Changing the oil may help if the problem is caused by contamination of the solenoids or sensors with wear debris. However, if the sensor is physically faulty or the wiring is damaged, changing the oil will not solve the problem and electrical repairs will be required.