AutoCodes – Ford – P1288 2011 Ford Fusion

P1288 2011 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 2011 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 4,951

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 2011 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 2011 Ford Fusion - Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range - AutoCodes.com — P1288 2011 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 2011 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 2011 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 2011 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 2011 Ford Fusion code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1288 2011 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 2011 Ford Fusion Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1288 in a 2011 Ford Fusion?

The common symptoms of code P1288 include overheating, rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, and potential engine misfires.

2. What does the OBDII code P1288 "Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Out of Self-Test Range" mean in a 2011 Ford Fusion?

This code indicates that the cylinder head temperature sensor readings are not within the expected range during the self-test conducted by the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1288 in a 2011 Ford Fusion?

Possible causes of code P1288 include a faulty cylinder head temperature sensor, wiring issues, a malfunctioning cooling system, or a problem with the engine control module.

4. How serious is OBDII code P1288 in a 2011 Ford Fusion?

Code P1288 should be addressed promptly as it can lead to engine overheating and potential damage if left untreated. It is advisable to diagnose and repair the issue as soon as possible.

5. Can I continue to drive my 2011 Ford Fusion with OBDII code P1288?

It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with code P1288 present, as it can cause engine overheating and other potential issues. It's best to address the problem before continuing to drive the car.

6. How can I diagnose OBDII code P1288 in my 2011 Ford Fusion?

Diagnosing code P1288 involves checking the cylinder head temperature sensor, inspecting related wiring, testing the cooling system, and scanning the engine control module for other possible faults.

7. How can I repair OBDII code P1288 in my 2011 Ford Fusion?

To repair code P1288, you may need to replace the faulty cylinder head temperature sensor, repair any damaged wiring, address cooling system issues, or reprogram the engine control module if necessary.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P1288 in a 2011 Ford Fusion?

Depending on your automotive repair skills and tools, a DIY enthusiast may be able to address code P1288 by following the proper diagnostic and repair procedures. However, professional assistance is recommended for accurate diagnosis and repair.

9. Will resetting the OBDII code P1288 in my 2011 Ford Fusion make it go away permanently?

Simply resetting the code without addressing the underlying issue will not make it go away permanently. The root cause of code P1288 should be diagnosed and fixed to prevent it from reoccurring.

10. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P1288 in a 2011 Ford Fusion?

The cost of repairing code P1288 can vary depending on the cause of the issue, labor rates, and the cost of parts. It is recommended to obtain quotes from automotive repair shops for an accurate estimate.