Engine-Codes - Generic - P1290

P1290 Code - Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Low Input

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- Repair Importance Level: 3/3
- Repair Difficulty Level: 3/3
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|What are the Possible Causes of the P1290 Code?

  • 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 P1290 Code?

Start by checking the "Possible Causes" listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector's pins.

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|What is the cost to diagnose the P1290 code?

Labor: 1.0

The cost to diagnose the P1290 code is 1.0 hour of labor. The auto repair's diagnosis time and labor rates vary by location, vehicle's make and model, and even your engine type. Most auto repair shops charge between $75 and $150 per hour.

|What are P1290 code possible symptoms?

  • Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)

|What Does the P1290 Code Mean?

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).

Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Low Input

|Need more information with the P1290 code?

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|P1290 code information for specific makes

  • P1290 AUDI Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor High Input
  • P1290 CHRYSLER CNG Fuel System Pressure Too High Condition
  • P1290 DODGE CNG Fuel System Pressure Too High Condition
  • P1290 FORD Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Signal Less Than Self-Test Range
  • P1290 INFINITI Throttle Control Motor Relay Circuit Open Bank 2
  • P1290 ISUZU Electronic Throttle Control Forced Idle Mode
  • P1290 LINCOLN Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Signal Less Than Self-Test Range
  • P1290 MAZDA Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Signal Less Than Self-Test Range
  • P1290 MERCURY Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Signal Less Than Self-Test Range
  • P1290 NISSAN Throttle Control Motor Relay Circuit Open Bank 2
  • P1290 VOLKSWAGEN Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor High Input

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