AutoCodes – Ford – P1290 2008 Ford Fusion

P1290 2008 Ford Fusion Code - Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Signal Less Than 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: P1290 2008 Ford Fusion indicates Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Signal Less Than 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 2,598

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 07, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1290 2008 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 P1290 2008 Ford Fusion - Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Signal Less Than Self-Test Range - AutoCodes.com — P1290 2008 Ford Fusion Code - Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Signal Less Than Self-Test Range

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1290 2008 Ford Fusion?

Wrong thermostat
Engine overheated
Low engine coolant level
Faulty Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) sensor
Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) sensor harness is open or shorted
Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1290 2008 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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1290 2008 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 P1290 2008 Ford Fusion code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1290 2008 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 P1290 2008 Ford Fusion Code

What does the OBDII code P1290 mean on a 2008 Ford Fusion?

P1290 indicates that the Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) sensor signal is reading lower than the expected range during the self-test.

What are the common symptoms of code P1290 in a 2008 Ford Fusion?

Symptoms may include the check engine light turning on, engine overheating, poor fuel economy, or reduced engine performance.

What causes the P1290 code to trigger in a 2008 Ford Fusion?

Possible causes include a faulty CHT sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a coolant system issue, or a malfunctioning PCM (Powertrain Control Module).

How can I diagnose the P1290 code in my 2008 Ford Fusion?

Start by inspecting the CHT sensor and its wiring for damage. Use a scan tool to check the sensorâ€™s live data and compare it to the manufacturerâ€™s specifications.

Can a faulty CHT sensor damage my engine?

Yes, a malfunctioning CHT sensor can lead to inaccurate temperature readings, which may cause engine overheating or incorrect fuel delivery, potentially damaging the engine.

How do I fix the P1290 code on a 2008 Ford Fusion?

Repairs may involve replacing the CHT sensor, repairing damaged wiring, addressing cooling system issues, or reprogramming or replacing the PCM if necessary.

Can I drive my 2008 Ford Fusion with the P1290 code active?

Driving with the P1290 code isnâ€™t recommended, as it may lead to engine overheating or other issues that could cause further damage.

How much does it cost to repair the P1290 code on a 2008 Ford Fusion?

Repair costs can vary, but replacing a CHT sensor typically ranges from $150 to $300, depending on labor and parts pricing.

Can low coolant levels cause the P1290 code in a 2008 Ford Fusion?

Yes, low coolant levels can cause the engine to overheat, potentially triggering the P1290 code due to abnormal temperature readings.

Does the P1290 code always mean the CHT sensor is bad?

Not necessarily. The code can also be caused by wiring issues, cooling system problems, or a malfunctioning PCM, so a thorough diagnosis is essential.