AutoCodes – Ford – P1288 2010 Ford Fusion

P1288 2010 Ford Fusion Code - Cylinder Head Temperature 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 2010 Ford Fusion indicates Cylinder Head Temperature 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 4,897

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

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 Dec 23, 2021

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1288 2010 Ford Fusion 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 2010 Ford Fusion - Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range - AutoCodes.com — P1288 2010 Ford Fusion Code - Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1288 2010 Ford Fusion?

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 2010 Ford Fusion?

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

This indicates the Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) sensor is out of the Self-Test range. The engine is not at a normal operating temperature.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1288 2010 Ford Fusion 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.

Need more information about the P1288 2010 Ford Fusion code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1288 2010 Ford Fusion code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

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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 P1288 2010 Ford Fusion Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1288 in a 2010 Ford Fusion?

The common symptoms include engine overheating, rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, and potential stalling.

2. What does the OBDII code P1288 on a 2010 Ford Fusion indicate?

The code P1288 indicates that the Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor is out of the self-test range, which means the sensor is not functioning within the expected parameters.

3. What are the possible causes of the Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor being out of self-test range in a 2010 Ford Fusion?

Potential causes include a faulty temperature sensor, wiring issues, a malfunctioning PCM (Powertrain Control Module), or cooling system problems.

4. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code P1288 on my 2010 Ford Fusion?

You can start by checking the wiring and connections to the Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor, testing the sensor itself, and inspecting the cooling system components for any issues.

5. Can driving with the OBDII code P1288 on a 2010 Ford Fusion cause further damage?

Continuing to drive with this code may lead to engine overheating, which can cause severe damage to the engine components over time. It's recommended to address the issue promptly.

6. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code P1288 on a 2010 Ford Fusion and continue driving?

While resetting the code may temporarily turn off the check engine light, it's crucial to diagnose and fix the underlying issue causing the code to prevent potential engine damage and ensure proper vehicle operation.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor issue causing OBDII code P1288 on a 2010 Ford Fusion?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the problem, but it may involve replacing the sensor, repairing wiring, or addressing cooling system issues. Costs can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

8. Can I repair OBDII code P1288 in a 2010 Ford Fusion myself?

If you have experience with automotive repairs and the necessary tools, you may be able to diagnose and fix the issue yourself. However, complex electrical or cooling system problems may require professional assistance.

9. What are the risks of ignoring OBDII code P1288 in a 2010 Ford Fusion?

Ignoring this code can lead to engine overheating, potential engine damage, decreased performance, and ultimately more costly repairs in the long run. It's best to address the issue promptly.

10. How can I prevent OBDII code P1288 from occurring again in my 2010 Ford Fusion?

Regular maintenance, including checking the cooling system, monitoring engine temperature, and addressing any issues promptly, can help prevent the recurrence of the Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor problem and related OBDII code.