P1290: Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) Sensor Circuit Low Input (Ford, Jaguar); Coolant Temperature Sensor Input Too High (Volkswagen)
Quick Answer
Safe to drive (short-term)
P1290 is a manufacturer-specific code, so its meaning depends on the make. Ford, and Jaguar on its V6 S-Type, list it as a cylinder head temperature (CHT) sensor circuit low input: the computer sees a voltage below the expected range, which it reads as a very hot engine. Volkswagen lists it as engine coolant temperature sensor input too high, and other makes use the number for unrelated faults. Confirm the definition for your car before replacing parts.
- Severity
- Moderate · Cooling System
- Estimated repair cost
- From €10 to €1800+, varies by vehicle
€10 or €1800, depending on your car.
- Top up coolant and bleed the cooling system€10–€90
- Engine computer repair or replacement (rare)€500–€1800
A scan shows whether P1290 is really stored on your car, which codes sit next to it and how urgent each one is.
A scan needs a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), about €25-60; the built-in demo runs without one. See which adapter to buy
What does P1290 mean?
P1290 is a cooling system-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity.
What are the symptoms of P1290?
- Check engine light on
- Temperature gauge reading wrongly, jumping or stuck
- Hard starting when the engine is cold or hot
- Poor fuel economy or rough idle
- Cooling fan running all the time or not at all
- Other temperature sensor codes stored with it
What causes P1290?
Faulty cylinder head or coolant temperature sensor
: high
Corroded, loose or damaged sensor connector
: high
Short to ground or open circuit in the sensor wiring
: medium
Chafed harness near the engine or exhaust
: medium
Low coolant or air in the cooling system, giving a false reading
: low
Engine computer input fault (rare)
: low
Is it safe to drive with P1290?
Generally yes, for short-term driving. You can usually drive to a workshop, but watch the temperature gauge closely. The computer may be reading engine temperature wrongly, which can affect fuelling and overheating protection. If the gauge climbs, the car loses power or you see steam or smell coolant, stop and let the engine cool.
How do you diagnose P1290?
- Confirm which definition applies. On a Ford or a V6 Jaguar it is a CHT sensor circuit fault, on a Volkswagen a coolant temperature sensor signal that is too high
- Read all codes and the freeze frame, and note any other temperature sensor codes stored with P1290
- Compare the temperature reading on a scan tool with the real engine temperature. A cold engine should read close to the outside temperature, and a warm one should climb steadily to normal
- Check the coolant level and look for leaks or air in the system, since a false reading can follow a low level
- Inspect the sensor plug and wiring for corrosion, chafing and loose pins, and wiggle the harness with the engine running to see whether the reading jumps
- If your reader shows a stuck or impossible value, measure the sensor's resistance and compare it with the manual. A CHT sensor is a two-wire thermistor, so its resistance changes with temperature
- Replace the sensor only after the wiring is proven good, then clear the code and road test
How much does P1290 cost to fix?
| Repair | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Total Estimate | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replace cylinder head or coolant temperature sensor | €12–€60 | €40–€100 | €52–€160 | Easy |
| Repair shorted or open wiring or replace the connector | €5–€40 | €60–€160 | €65–€200 | Moderate |
| Diagnose the circuit with a meter (shop) | €0–€0 | €60–€120 | €60–€120 | Professional |
| Top up coolant and bleed the cooling system | €10–€30 | €0–€60 | €10–€90 | Easy |
| Engine computer repair or replacement (rare) | €400–€1500 | €100–€300 | €500–€1800 | Professional |
Prices estimated as of October 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P1290 on specific vehicles
P1290 on Ford
Ford Explorer 2.0 GTDI (2012)
P1290 on Jaguar
Jaguar S-Type V6
Related diagnostic codes
Common questions about P1290
- What does P1290 mean on a Ford or Jaguar?
- On Ford, and on the V6 Jaguar S-Type, P1290 is a cylinder head temperature (CHT) sensor circuit low input. The computer sees a voltage below the expected range, which it reads as a high temperature. A short to ground or a failed sensor is the usual cause. P1289 is the matching high input code.
- What does P1290 mean on a Volkswagen?
- Volkswagen's listing is engine coolant temperature sensor input too high, which is the opposite direction to the Ford wording. Check the coolant temperature sensor, its plug and its wiring.
- Is P1290 the same as P1299?
- No. On Ford and on the V6 Jaguar S-Type, P1299 is the cylinder head overtemperature or fail-safe cooling code, which means the computer has reacted to an overheating condition. P1290 is a sensor circuit fault.
- Can I drive with P1290?
- Usually for a short distance, with an eye on the temperature gauge. A wrong temperature reading can upset fuelling and engine protection. Stop if the gauge climbs, power drops or you see steam.
- What is a cylinder head temperature sensor?
- It is a two-wire thermistor, which means its resistance changes with temperature. Ford describes it as a primary input to the computer's strategy for controlling the torque converter clutch, and on engines without a separate coolant sensor it is used to work out coolant temperature.
- How do I fix P1290?
- Check the sensor connector and wiring first, because corrosion or a damaged wire is common. Replace the sensor if the resistance is wrong, then clear the code. If it returns, have the circuit tested at a workshop.
Read our detailed guides
Sources
- vehicleservicepros.com vehicleservicepros.com/tsbs/article/53091985/exploring-ford-dtc-2018-11-16
- vehicleservicepros.com vehicleservicepros.com/service-repair/the-garage/article/21182563/diagnosing-for
- host.jcna.com host.jcna.com/sites/default/files/STYPE.pdf