AutoCodesGeneric – P1288

P1288 Code - Cylinder Head Temp Sensor Out Of Self Test Range

Quick Answer

The Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) Sensor is mounted into the wall of the cylinder head and is not connected to any coolant passages. Common causes include Wrong thermostat, Engine overheated, Low engine coolant level. 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
P1288 indicates Cylinder Head Temp Sensor Out Of Self Test Range.
Common causes
Common causes include Wrong thermostat, Engine overheated, Low engine coolant level.
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 44,340
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Dec 23, 2021
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Code P1288 Description

The Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) Sensor is mounted into the wall of the cylinder head and is not connected to any coolant passages. The CHT sends a signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) indicating the cylinder head temperature. If the temperature exceeds 126°C (-258°F), the PCM disables four fuel injectors at a time. The PCM will alternate which four injectors are disabled every 32 engine cycles. The four cylinders that are not being fuel injected act as air pumps to aid in cooling the engine. If the temperature exceeds 154 °C (310°F), the PCM disables all of the fuel injectors until the engine temperature drops below 154°C (310°F).
OBDII Code P1288 - Cylinder Head Temp Sensor Out Of Self Test Range - AutoCodes.com
P1288 Code - Cylinder Head Temp Sensor Out Of Self Test Range

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1288?

  • Wrong thermostat
  • 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 P1288?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1288 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 Makes

  • P1288 Acura — Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch Circuit Low Voltage
  • P1288 Audi — Turbocharger Bypass Valve short to B+
  • P1288 BMW — Switching Solenoid for Air Assisted Injection Valves Bank 2 Control Circuit Signal Low
  • P1288 Buick — Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 3 Circuit High Voltage
  • P1288 Cadillac — Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 3 Circuit High Voltage
  • P1288 Chevrolet — Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 3 Circuit High Voltage
  • P1288 Chrysler — Short Runner Valve Circuit Condition
  • P1288 Dodge — Short Runner Valve Circuit Condition
  • P1288 Ford — Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range
  • P1288 GMC — Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 3 Circuit High Voltage
  • P1288 Honda — Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch Circuit Low Voltage
  • P1288 Infiniti — Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit Slow Response Bank 2
  • P1288 Jaguar — Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range
  • P1288 Jeep — Short Runner Valve Circuit Condition
  • P1288 Lincoln — Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range
  • P1288 Mazda — Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range
  • P1288 Mercury — Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range
  • P1288 MINI — Switching Solenoid for Air Assisted Injection Valves Bank 2 Control Circuit Signal Low
  • P1288 Nissan — Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit Slow Response Bank 2
  • P1288 Volkswagen — Turbocharger Bypass Valve short to B+
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.

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