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Ford P1290

Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Signal Less Than Self-Test Range

What P1290 means on a Ford

On Ford vehicles, P1290 is logged when the ECU detects a fault in the cooling: “Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Signal Less Than Self-Test Range”. P1290 is a manufacturer-specific Ford code (the "1" after the letter marks an OEM-defined code), so its meaning applies to Ford and may differ on other makes.

Common causes & symptoms

Typical triggers for a cooling code like P1290 include faulty or ageing sensors, wiring/connector faults, a clogged or removed component, or a value drifting outside the ECU's expected window. Symptoms range from a check-engine light only, to limp mode, rough running, higher consumption or failed emissions tests.

P1290 and ECU tuning

When a Ford has had hardware changed for off-road/motorsport use (for example a removed DPF or EGR), the related monitor must be disabled in the ECU map or the code re-appears. Softechpro Solutions performs DPF/EGR/AdBlue/DTC off and recalculates the checksum, so codes like P1290 stay cleared after the flash. Genuine faults should always be repaired, not just hidden.

Related Ford codes

Need to clear P1290 after a delete?

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