AutoCodes – Ford – P1288 2003 Ford F150

P1288 2003 Ford F150 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 2003 Ford F150 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 6,186

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 2003 Ford F150 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 2003 Ford F150 - Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range - AutoCodes.com — P1288 2003 Ford F150 Code - Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1288 2003 Ford F150?

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 2003 Ford F150?

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 2003 Ford F150 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 2003 Ford F150 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1288 2003 Ford F150 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 2003 Ford F150 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1288 on a 2003 Ford F150?

The common symptoms of code P1288 include poor engine performance, rough idling, and potential overheating issues.

2. What does the OBDII code P1288 mean for a 2003 Ford F150?

Code P1288 indicates that the Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor is out of the self-test range, signaling a potential issue with the sensor's readings.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1288 on a 2003 Ford F150?

Possible causes of code P1288 include a faulty Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor, wiring issues, or a problem with the sensor's connection.

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P1288 on my 2003 Ford F150?

Diagnosing code P1288 involves checking the Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor for proper operation, inspecting the sensor's wiring, and ensuring the sensor is securely connected.

5. Can I continue driving my 2003 Ford F150 with OBDII code P1288?

It is not recommended to continue driving your vehicle with code P1288, as it can lead to potential engine damage or overheating issues.

6. How do I repair OBDII code P1288 on a 2003 Ford F150?

Repairing code P1288 typically involves replacing the faulty Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor, addressing any wiring issues, and clearing the error code from the OBDII system.

7. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code P1288 on a 2003 Ford F150 without repairs?

While you can clear the error code temporarily, it is important to address the underlying issue causing code P1288 to prevent further problems.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P1288 on a 2003 Ford F150?

A DIY enthusiast with the necessary tools and knowledge can potentially fix code P1288 by replacing the Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor and checking the wiring.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code P1288 on a 2003 Ford F150?

The cost of repairing code P1288 can vary depending on the labor rates and parts needed, with average costs ranging from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

10. Will OBDII code P1288 on a 2003 Ford F150 affect fuel efficiency?

Yes, code P1288 can potentially impact fuel efficiency due to the engine running inefficiently or experiencing performance issues related to the Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor.