AutoCodes – Mercury – P1260 Mercury

P1260 Mercury Code - Theft Detected - Vehicle Immobilized

Quick Answer

The P1260 code can be set if the Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) has determined a theft condition existed and the engine is disabled or an engine start was attempted using a non-PATS key. Common causes include Incorrectly programmed Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Incorrectly programmed Instrument Cluster (IC) or Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), Previous theft condition. 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: P1260 Mercury indicates Theft Detected - Vehicle Immobilized.
Common causes: Common causes include Incorrectly programmed Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Incorrectly programmed Instrument Cluster (IC) or Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), Previous theft condition.
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 4,478

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 02, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P1260 Mercury Description

The P1260 code can be set if the Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) has determined a theft condition existed and the engine is disabled or an engine start was attempted using a non-PATS key. This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a good indicator to check the PATS for DTCs. This DTC can also be set when a new Instrument Cluster (IC), Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is installed without correctly programming either module even if the vehicle is not equipped with PATS.

OBDII Code P1260 Mercury - Theft Detected - Vehicle Immobilized - AutoCodes.com — P1260 Mercury Code - Theft Detected - Vehicle Immobilized

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1260 Mercury?

Incorrectly programmed Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Incorrectly programmed Instrument Cluster (IC) or Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)
Previous theft condition
Anti-theft system concern

How to Fix the DTC P1260 Mercury?

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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1260 Mercury 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.