OBD Guide

P1290

Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Low Input

Severity
⚠️ Medium
Can you drive?
Yes, but get it checked soon
Approx. repair cost
$17–44 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Unstable engine idling
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Difficult cold start
  • Check Engine Light Is On
  • Reduced engine power

Causes

  • Faulty cylinder head temperature sensor
  • Open or short circuit in the sensor circuit
  • Poor contact in the sensor connector
  • Corrosion on sensor terminals
  • Malfunction of the engine control unit (rare)

How to Fix

  1. Check the condition of the sensor and its connector
  2. Diagnose the sensor circuit for open and short circuit
  3. Measure the sensor resistance (compare with the norm)
  4. Replace the cylinder head temperature sensor if necessary
  5. Clean sensor connector contacts

Related codes

Error P1290 by Vehicle Brand