If you’ve ever had an engine overheat on you before, you know it’s a terrifying experience. How much is this going to cost to fix? How bad is it? Is my engine done for? The questions and worries come flooding in quickly. For those of you who’ve been fortunate enough to avoid this experience, you can easily imagine the feeling of despair you’d have seeing the warning lights illuminate like a Christmas tree on your dash. On some Ford vehicles such as the F-150, Escape, and Fusion, the vehicle may set the P1299 Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). If your vehicle has set the P1299 fault code, consult this article to better understand what is wrong with your vehicle, potential fixes, and how much it would cost to repair.
All model-specific information has been sourced from the manufacturer. Repair/replacement costs are sourced from RepairPal.
AZ AutoFix/YouTube
P1299 Error Code
Code Number
Code Description
Related Codes
P1299
Cylinder Head Overtemperature Protection Active
P1285 – Cylinder Head Overtemperature Condition
P0217 – Engine Coolant Overtemperature Condition
What Does The P1299 Error Code Mean?
Some vehicles are equipped with a Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) sensor, which monitors the temperature of the cylinder head. Additionally, some vehicles will have more than one cylinder head, therefore more than one CHT sensor. The P1299 Ford DTC is set by the Vehicle Control Module when engine temperatures exceed the desired (safe) range. This fault code indicates the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or VCM is using a fail-safe cooling strategy to prevent engine damage.
Modern cylinder heads are made of aluminum which are prone to warping when the engine overheats. During this cooling strategy, the vehicle will alternate disabling fuel injectors to allow the engine cylinders to work as air pumps, bringing down the engine temperature. If the overheating condition continues and a critical temperature is reached, all fuel injectors are turned off and the engine is disabled.
Ford Boss Me/YouTube
Causes Of The P1299 Fault Code
The P1299 code can be caused by one or more of the following:
Low coolant level External coolant leaks Airbound cooling system Restricted radiator or condenser Worn or loose water pump accessory belt Faulty cooling fan Faulty engine coolant temperature sensor Faulty cylinder head temperature sensor Clogged heater core Restricted cooling system Faulty water pump
Symptoms Of The P1299 Error Code
The following are the most commonly reported symptoms with the P1299 error code:
Illuminated check engine light Overheating engine Cylinder misfires Disabled engine Reduced power Reduced fuel economy Limp mode Failed emissions testing
Add CarBuzz to your Google News feed.
Can I Still Drive With An Active P1299 Error Code?
The P1299 error code directly states that cylinder head temperatures have exceeded a safe range. For this reason, we recommend seeking repairs immediately as major engine damage can occur if you continue driving your vehicle. If the P1299 error code is active, the PCM has enabled a fail-safe cooling condition which disables the fuel injectors, reducing power and cooling the engine down. With the fail-safe operation enabled, the vehicle will remain somewhat functional. However, this condition is purely designed to get the vehicle to a safe location, not to allow it to be continuously driven. We can’t stress enough that if the P1299 code has been set on your vehicle, have it repaired immediately.
If you have to drive the vehicle, carefully monitor the engine temperature gauge and shut the vehicle down if the temperature rises past the three-quarter maximum mark.
How To Fix The P1299 Error Code
We recommend confirming the P1299 code is active before making any repair attempts. To do this, have your vehicle’s computer scanned for fault codes. If the P1299 is active, you can begin your diagnosis.
Check For A Low Coolant Level
We recommend checking your vehicle’s coolant level first. Engine coolant is vital to maintaining proper engine temperature. If your vehicle’s coolant is low or the wrong type of coolant is used, your engine may set the P1299 code. This is due to the inability to maintain the proper temperature. Ensure the radiator and/or coolant reservoir has been filled with the designated engine coolant.
Ford coolant reservoir (Help Me DIY/YouTube)
Inspect Engine Bay For Signs Of Coolant Leaks
If you find your engine’s coolant was low, it’s likely due to a leak. A damaged radiator, worn cooling hoses, or faulty gaskets can be the result of engine coolant leaking. We recommend thoroughly inspecting the engine bay for signs of coolant leaks, along with beneath the engine. Plastic shields may need to be removed to effectively inspect your engine for leaks. Repair any coolant leaks.
Ford coolant leaks (SM Auto Repair LLC/YouTube)
Clean Blocked Condensers And/Or Radiators
Objects or debris blocking the condenser or the radiator can reduce the airflow needed to pass through the fins to effectively cool the a/c refrigerant along with the engine coolant. A broken fascia or grill along with debris such as mud and leaves can reduce airflow and cause engine overheating. Clean any debris and repair any radiator obstructions.
Radiator part listing (NAPA)
Bleed An Airlocked Cooling System
When a cooling system is ‘opened’ or the coolant level runs low, the system is susceptible to becoming airlocked. This means air pockets have formed inside the cooling system and the air needs to be ‘bled’ from the system. Follow the manufacturer’s procedure for bleeding the cooling system.
Test And Replace A Faulty Temperature Sensor
A faulty temperature gauge, coolant temperature sensor, or cylinder head temperature sensor could result in the P1299 error code. We recommend testing these sensors with a digital multimeter following the manufacturers’ specifications. If you find the sensor is out of the specification range, replace it.
Ford CHT sensor (F165/YouTube)
If the cause of the P1299 error code has not been found after performing the above checks, you may want to consult a repair facility and let the pros handle the remainder of the diagnosis and repairs. An overheating engine can be caused by numerous mechanical issues such as a failed head gasket or defective water pump. Although these jobs can be performed by a skilled DIYer, if done incorrectly, severe engine damage can occur.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix The P1299 Error Code?
The cost to repair the P1299 code will depend on the exact cause of the issue, since repairs can range from minor cooling system services all the way to full engine overhauls. In the case of the P1299 code on a Ford Escape, a radiator replacement can cost as much as $1,200, according to RepairPal. The P1299 code on the Ford Fusion can cost between $550 and $615 for a water pump replacement. A failed cooling fan causing the P1299 code on the Ford F-150 can cost around $650. More severe repairs such as a head gasket replacement can cost a painful $2,300 on some vehicles.
Related What are the symptoms of a blown head gasket or a gasket leak?
If you suspect you might be dealing with a leaking head gasket, there are some telltale signs to watch out for: these include murky-looking coolant, white smoke coming from the exhaust and an abnormal, sweet smell. There are also specialized test kits you can buy to determine if there is a leak. Overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, engine knock and a rough idle are all signs of a blown head gasket. Have you experienced this?
Ultimately, we recommend checking simple causes for the P1299 code. We also recommend avoiding driving the vehicle when possible. If you must drive the vehicle, be cautious and take your time. Allow the vehicle to cool down intermittently if possible. Some people have reported faulty sensors as the culprit for the P1299 code. If you catch the cause of the P1299 code soon enough, engine damage can be avoided. This is where it may be cheaper in the long run to let the pros handle the diagnosis and repairs as you’ll want to avoid engine replacement or rebuild costs.
Component Cost Estimates
Component
Cost Estimate
Coolant hose(s)
$15 – $150
Temperature sensor(s)
$10 – $75
Radiator
$150 – $900
Water pump
$100 – $250
Sources: RepairPal