I got a check engine light yesterday...

code p-1281 .... this translates to Engine cold too long..

So I went through the process... first plugged in my block heater.... then let it warm up forever...

anyways...

i bought a thermostat...

wondering if this could be the problem...

Anyone else with this Check Engine Code / problem


PS not getting great heat in the cab of the truck

5.9L engine ...

anyone change a thermostat on a 5.9L ... how had is it to find.. or anyone have a site with a diagram ...

Thanks in advance

Dano

 

Download the manual from here to answer any questions about locations, but I would imagine it would be pretty obvious. It sounds like your thermostat is staying stuck open. Just replace it. I'd do a coolant flush at the same time and depending on the radiator cap, replace that as well for cheap preventative maintenance..

Telling me that the heater doesn't work as well tells me that the temp sensor is prob OK and that the thermostat is definitely stuck shut. I'd also venture to guess when it does pop open the temp gauge goes from cool to warm rather quickly.

I'd also take the heater hoses off and blast water through the heater core from the hose to clear out any debris. Hope all this helps.

 

... nice page...

but i dont have the hemi ... sorry i didnt specifi in the post...

its the 5.9 Magnum ...

The year before the Hemi came out... 2002

 

Sorry about that, I thought the manuals covered all engine models. If you follow your upper radiator hose, you find where it comes from the top of the motor and there will be a metal part it plugs into that is help onto the motor with 2 or 3 screws. This is where the thermostat is. Maybe someone can describe it a little better.

 

Sounds like the thermostat is stuck open. The coolant is constantly being circulated and can't get up to temp.

 

Sorry, I meant stuck open. Thanks Black Beast for the correction. I changed it in the previous thread.

Been a lot going on down here in S. FL. with all this hurricane mess...it's finally getting back to normal, just got power the other day. Almost 2wks without power sucked. Didn't have the cash for a generator, oh well. I'm ready to move back to GA, enough of my rant.

Bottom line, replace the thermostat.

 

I put a 180 degree thermostat in my 5.9L, and that was a couple months ago, and im just now getting that same code, is it gunna hurt my engine? also, i found the box for my thermostat and the one i was given by the napa guy was acually a 160 degree, is that too cold for alaska? haha its been in the 50's lately up here...