P1290 on Ford: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost
Quick Answer
Safe to drive (short-term)
P1290 on a Ford 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
- Typical repair cost, all makes
- €10-€1800
Connect a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone) to your Ford and Skanyx tells you what P1290 means on that engine, whether it is safe to keep driving, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android.
Get Skanyx freeWhat does P1290 mean on a Ford?
The Quick Answer above is the generic definition. What follows is the model-specific detail for the Ford models that log P1290.
Ford Explorer 2.0 GTDI (2012)
2012
Ford lists P1289 as a CHT sensor circuit high and P1290 as a CHT sensor circuit low on the 2012 Explorer with the 2.0-litre gasoline turbocharged direct-injection (GTDI) engine. Ford describes the CHT sensor as a two-wire thermistor that, on applications without a coolant temperature sensor, is used to determine engine coolant temperature. Check the sensor plug and wiring before replacing parts.
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
What causes P1290 on a Ford?
Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P1290 page, these are the patterns noted for Ford models:
CHT sensor or connector fault
: Ford Explorer 2.0 GTDI (2012)
Wiring short to ground
: Ford Explorer 2.0 GTDI (2012)
How to diagnose P1290 on a Ford with OBD2
- 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 on a Ford? (EUR)
Estimated repair costs for P1290 in EUR, compiled across makes. Expect Ford parts and labour towards the upper end of each range.
| 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.
Codes related to P1290
These codes are often seen alongside P1290 or point to related issues, on any make:
Looking for the full P1290 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)? See the main P1290 guide