AutoCodes – Ford – P1285 Ford

P1285 Ford Code - Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition

Quick Answer

The Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) Sensor is a thermistor device in which resistance changes with temperature. Common causes include Engine overheated, Low engine coolant level, Faulty Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) Sensor. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P1285 Ford indicates Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition.
Common causes: Common causes include Engine overheated, Low engine coolant level, Faulty Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) Sensor.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 82,929

How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 11, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes ▶
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1285 Ford Description

The Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) Sensor is a thermistor device in which resistance changes with temperature. The electrical resistance of a thermistor decreases as temperature increases, and the resistance increases as the temperature decreases. The varying resistance affects the voltage drop across the sensor terminals and provides electrical signals to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) corresponding to temperature.
The CHT sensor is installed in the aluminum cylinder head and measures the metal temperature. The CHT sensor can provide complete engine temperature information and can be used to infer coolant temperature. If the CHT sensor conveys an overheating condition to the PCM, the PCM initiates a fail-safe cooling strategy based on information from the CHT sensor. A cooling system concern such as low coolant or coolant loss could cause an overheating condition. As a result, damage to major engine components could occur. Using both the CHT sensor and fail-safe cooling strategy, the PCM prevents damage by allowing air cooling of the engine and limp-home capability.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) indicates the Cylinder Head Over Temperature Sensed Indicates an engine overheat condition was sensed by the cylinder head temperature sensor.

OBDII Code P1285 Ford - Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition - AutoCodes.com — P1285 Ford Code - Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1285 Ford?

Engine overheated
Low engine coolant level
Faulty Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) Sensor
Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted
Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1285 Ford?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Indicates an engine overheat condition was sensed by the cylinder head temperature sensor.

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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1285 Ford code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Information for Specific Ford Models

P1285 1997 Ford F150 — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition
P1285 1998 Ford F150 — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition
P1285 1999 Ford F150 — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition
P1285 2000 Ford F150 — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition
P1285 2001 Ford F150 — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition
P1285 2002 Ford F150 — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition
P1285 2003 Ford F150 — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition
P1285 2006 Ford Fusion — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition
P1285 2007 Ford Fusion — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition
P1285 2008 Ford Fusion — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition
P1285 2009 Ford Fusion — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition
P1285 2010 Ford Fusion — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition
P1285 2011 Ford Fusion — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition
P1285 2012 Ford Fusion — Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1285 Ford Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1285 (Ford) - Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition?

The common symptoms include engine overheating, loss of power, rough idle, and illuminated Check Engine Light.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1285 (Ford)?

Possible causes of this code include a faulty cylinder head temperature sensor, a malfunctioning cooling system, a stuck thermostat, or a problem with the vehicle's computer system.

3. How serious is OBDII code P1285 (Ford) - Cylinder Head Over Temperature Condition?

This code should be taken seriously as it indicates potential overheating issues within the engine, which can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly.

4. How can I diagnose OBDII code P1285 (Ford)?

Diagnosing this code typically involves using a scan tool to read the code, checking the cylinder head temperature sensor, inspecting the cooling system components, and testing the thermostat for proper operation.

5. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code P1285 (Ford)?

Repair tips may include replacing the faulty cylinder head temperature sensor, flushing and refilling the cooling system, checking for leaks, ensuring proper coolant levels, and verifying the thermostat is functioning correctly.

6. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code P1285 (Ford) present?

It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with this code active, as continued driving with potential overheating issues can cause severe damage to the engine.

7. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code P1285 (Ford)?

The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may involve replacing the cylinder head temperature sensor, addressing cooling system problems, or other related repairs.

8. Will resetting the Check Engine Light make OBDII code P1285 (Ford) go away?

Resetting the Check Engine Light may temporarily turn off the warning, but if the underlying issue causing the code is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear.

9. Is OBDII code P1285 (Ford) a common issue in certain Ford vehicles?

This code can be more common in certain Ford models that are prone to cooling system problems or issues with the cylinder head temperature sensor.

10. Can OBDII code P1285 (Ford) be triggered by something other than actual overheating?

Yes, this code can sometimes be triggered by sensor malfunctions or other issues that may falsely indicate a cylinder head over-temperature condition.