AutoCodes – Lincoln – P1288 Lincoln

P1288 Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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 6,138

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
Comments
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Code P1288 Lincoln 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 Lincoln - Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range - AutoCodes.com — P1288 Lincoln Code - Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1288 Lincoln?

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 Lincoln?

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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.