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Cel 1281

Old May 10, 2013 | 08:32 AM
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Default Cel 1281

My truck is reading the code 1281 which says my truck is running cold too long. I have a 180* t stat and my SCT tuner. Isn't that the right one or does anybody else have this problem? This isn't hurting anything right?
 
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Old May 10, 2013 | 10:22 AM
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mine did this all winter long, i just left the 180 tstat and cleared the engine code.
 
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Old May 10, 2013 | 10:27 AM
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^Yeah. What's the current outside temp?
 
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Old May 10, 2013 | 01:29 PM
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been 60* to low 70's for the last week and a half.
 
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Old May 10, 2013 | 01:45 PM
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Either your t-stat is stuck open or a sensor has gone wonky, I'd imagine.
 
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Old May 10, 2013 | 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by dodge dude94
Either your t-stat is stuck open or a sensor has gone wonky, I'd imagine.
+1 on this - out of curiosity, what is your temperature guage reading? Is it showing real cold, too?
 
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Old May 10, 2013 | 08:21 PM
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Not a big surprise with a 180 stat. Some folks get 'em, some don't. That IS the correct stat for the tuner, would be cool if hemifever could alter the programming for that... ah well.
 
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Old May 10, 2013 | 09:38 PM
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its not hurting anything

start by resetting PCM. disconnect neg battery cable and turn on headlights for 30 sec. reconnect.

watch your temp gauge from a cold start. after 5 minutes or so, if it comes up to about 180 on the gauge and you get the CEL, then you're stuck with it as long as you keep the 180. on the other hand, if your temp gauge seems to top out at about 130-140 or so, then your thermostat is bad. replace it with a quality Super-Stant.
 
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Old May 11, 2013 | 08:53 AM
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From my guesstimation I'd say it reads about 180* on my gauge. I remeber where 195* was and the needle is a little below that. If it's not hurting much I'm not worried about it. Thanks fellas!
 
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