Ok my check engine light NEVER came on, i got a hypertech programmer today and it said i had a code, the programmer came back with code p1281 Engine is cold too long "If engine does not warm up to 176F while driving for 20 minutes after start" i put a 180F thermostat in like 6 months ago when i did my plenum. Is this something to just go eh whatever to? or something i should investigate.

 

You are OK as long as the CEL doesn't come on. A lot of people here use the 180 T-stat.

 

A 180 thermostat should start to open at 180 so it should not be running that cool (I think).

 

I put a 180 degree t-stat in several years ago. I live in Florida so our winter weather doesn't set a CEL. However I did have that happen one Xmas when in the N. Carolina Mountains and it was 25 degrees out one morning. I reset it after the truck warmed up with my programmer and it wasn't an issue after that. What is your current temperatures overnight?

 

currently its been getting in the 40's at night, but the cel light never came on so i didnt even know the code was there

 

The HyperTech is telling you the code is there. If the code was there before you used it, the stock PCM would have given you a light. I would not worry about it.