Ok I have a 02 1500 4X4 with a 5.9l. I have been running a 180* t-stat since last summer, CAI better exhaust etc. Also while running Superchips performance tune the engine ran a little lean, so that is why I changed the t-stat. The truck ran great with this set up no problems til mid Dec and it threw a code, "P1281 Engine is Cold Too Long" I reset it then it came on again last week.

So, I am leaning toward a faulty t-stat, since it was fine for almost 6 months and just now started acting up. I don't think it is closing properly. Otherwise the truck is still running great!

Let me know what you think!

 

change your T Stat. just curious, with your mods...what kind of mpg's do you see with the 5.9?

 

right now with the 35's I am getting 11 here in the mountains, I have not made a road trip with the tires, but I think when I get out of the hills it will do better lol, but it sucks the gas going up hill, but she goes MUCH better than she use to before the mods

 

sounds like my old 4.7.....11 was if i wasnt on it all the time lol

 

bump....

 

anybody have any suggestions?

 

If you want another alternative you could always put an e-fan in with an adjustable controller. That is what I run with my 180 stat and when it gets cold I just bump up the controller so that it doesn't turn the fan on until the truck is fully at operating temp. Haven't had any problems with codes running it like this.

 

That makes sense so you have it set at 185 or 190 for the fan?

 

It is set at around 195 at the moment. With it set there the fan actually almost never goes on bc the weather here has been so cold that the ambient air has been keeping it cool enough.

 

so you don't think the t-stat quit working? i was thinking it might be stuck open or something? I am doing an e-fan soon as weather will allow so might wait and see if that helps