AutoCodes – Volkswagen – P1256 Volkswagen

P1256 Volkswagen Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Open/Short To Positive

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Common causes include Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. 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: P1256 Volkswagen indicates Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Open/Short To Positive.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
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 26,513

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 Aug 17, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes ▶
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P1256 Volkswagen Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. The ECM sets the OBDII code when the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code P1256 Volkswagen - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Open/Short To Positive - AutoCodes.com — P1256 Volkswagen Code - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Open/Short To Positive

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1256 Volkswagen?

Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1256 Volkswagen?

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

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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1256 Volkswagen 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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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.