Fault code P1281 this afternoon?

jdumont · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 5:20 pm

This afternoon while coming home from work after driving 10 miles in moderate traffic (not highway) my check engine light came on. Came home did the key on-key off trick and the odometer threw the P1281 code. From previous posts I think it means engine taking too long to warm up? Im pretty sure the temp gauge was normal half way up so whats the deal? Should I just reset and see if it happens again? If so, how do I reset it....?

Thanks in advance!

raceinfan · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:05 pm

that's strange with all the warm weather we have been having around here

shouldn't take long at all

jdumont · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:34 pm

Nah that cant really be the problem...even on days where its in the teens it warms up in a mile tops on that type driving...very odd. Im thinking ill reset and see if it comes back? Just need to know how to reset other than battery cable removal

raceinfan · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:47 pm

if noone chimes in take it to auto zone I think they'll reset it for free or could do a scan & find out if there's a problem for free I'm not 100% sure on that though but it's worth a shot

1quick95 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 7:05 pm

Had a few of those codes before,if the coolant level is good,it may be the thermostat,or coolant temp sensor.

jdumont · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 7:12 pm

i was thinking (read:HOPING) that it was only the T-stat..ill prob start there this weekend.

jdumont · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 8:06 am

So just got to work and the KJ never warmed up to normal temp after a 15 min highway ride. The gauge stayed at 1/4 for most of the trip... Where is the coolant temp sensor located? Ill be going to AutoZone this afternoon to try that. I havent checked the coolant level yet but if it was low wouldnt i overheat? Im not getting enough heat....

Wahoo650 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 10:30 am

If it never warmed up then it's not the sensor, your thermostat is stuck open.

jdumont · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 10:49 am

Very true! Ill replace tomorrow AM. Ill be happy if i can get out of this for only a few bucks.

Jeepin Al · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 5:34 pm

I still pull this code on real cold days, but with the warm weather we have been having the check engine light went out. After the t-stat install disconnect the battery for a while (couple of minutes) that seems to reset the computer. The 1281 code will come back if the engne is taking too long to heat up after about 100 miles.

Al

jdumont · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 5:56 pm

I know this sounds stupid but its pretty dark out now and i cant see it....where the hell is the t-stat....?

Jeepin Al · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 7:12 pm

its located at the top of the lower hose. Two 10mm bolts it to the engine. Be careful the housing is plastic.

Al

jdumont · **Posted:** Sat Jan 14, 2006 8:22 am

Ahhhh the lower hose! Never would have thought of that. So heres a question, why is the t-stat so expensive for this car compared to others. It was $35 at Auto Zone....

jdumont · **Posted:** Mon Jan 16, 2006 8:15 am

Its been way to crappy weather wise the past few days with rain and snow to attempt this project. This morning it was 7 degrees out! Whats the best way to attack this t-stat? Should I (or do I have to) attack from underneath? Also, will I have to refill a lot of fluid....Im thinking of doing a flush if im going to lose a lot of fluid anyhow.

Fault code P1281 this afternoon?

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