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For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P1258 LFA

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P1258: Engine Coolant Over temperature - Protection Mode Active

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) uses the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor to monitor the engine for an over-termperature condition. This condition occurs when the coolant temperature is above a calibrated value for a calibrated length of time. The ECM will disable half of the cylinders by turning OFF the fuel injectors. By disabling half of cylinders, the ECM is able to reduce the temperature of the coolant.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is running.
    • DTC P0117 or P0118 are not set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Coolant temperature more than 132°C (270°F) for greater than 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC P1258 is a Type A DTC.
    • The engine will operate in the Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode.
    • The engine coolant temperature indicator lamp, if equipped, will illuminate.
    • The driver information center (DIC), if equipped, may display a message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P1258 is a Type A DTC.

Reference Information

Description and Operation

    •  Cooling System Description and Operation
    •  Instrument Cluster Description and Operation
    •  Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation
    •  Audible Warnings Description and Operation

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Important: If DTC P1482 is set, diagnose that DTC first.

  1. Ignition OFF, open the hood to disable the Auto-Stop function. Refer to Hybrid Modes of Operation Description .
  2. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool hood position parameter displays Open.
  3. If the hood position does not display Open, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
  4. Observe the engine coolant level. The engine coolant level should be within operating range. Refer to Capacities - Approximate Fluid, and Engine Coolant in the Owner's Manual.
  5. Ensure that the vehicle has the correct engine coolant, with correct concentration, and is not old, contaminated or contains additives. Refer to Recommended Fluids and Lubricants in the Owner's Manual.
  6. Inspect the cooling system for the following:
  7. • Leaks
    • Kinked or pinched hoses, especially at the radiator
    • Loose, missing, or damaged radiator air seals or deflectors
    • The radiator and A/C condenser for any air flow obstructions or bent fins--Refer to Symptoms - Engine Cooling .

    Important: A small delay occurs before the ECM changes the cooling fan speed.

  8. Command the cooling fan speed from 0% to 100% with a scan tool.
  9. If the fan speed does not transition with the commanded states, refer to Cooling Fan Inoperative .

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, open the hood to disable the Auto-Stop function. Refer to Hybrid Modes of Operation Description .
  2. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool hood position parameter displays Open.
  3. If the hood position does not display Open, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
  4. Test the thermostat for correct operation. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis .
  5. Test the engine cooling system for overheating. Refer to Engine Overheating .
  6. Inspect the water pump and coolant flow for correct operation. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .
  7. Inspect the engine for worn/leaking/cracked cylinder heads and engine block. Refer to Coolant in Combustion Chamber and Coolant in Engine Oil .

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

DTC P1258 w/o LFA

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P1258: Engine Coolant Overtemperature - Protection Mode Active

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) uses the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor to monitor the engine for an over-termperature condition. This condition occurs when the coolant temperature is above a calibrated value for a calibrated length of time. The ECM will disable half of the cylinders by turning OFF the fuel injectors. By disabling half of the cylinders, the ECM is able to reduce the temperature of the coolant.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is running.
    • DTC P0117 or P0118, are not set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Coolant temperature more than 130°C (266°F) for more than 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC P1258 is a Type A DTC.
    • The engine will operate in the Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode.
    • The engine coolant temperature indicator lamp, if equipped, will illuminate.
    • The driver information center (DIC), if equipped, may display a message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P1258 is a Type A DTC.

Reference Information

Description and Operation

    •  Cooling System Description and Operation
    •  Instrument Cluster Description and Operation
    •  Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation
    •  Audible Warnings Description and Operation

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

If DTCs P0480 or P0481 are set, diagnose those DTCs first.

  1. Observe the engine coolant level. The engine coolant level should be within operating range. Refer to Capacities - Approximate Fluid, and Engine Coolant in the Owner's Manual.
  2. Ensure that the vehicle has the correct engine coolant, with correct concentration, and is not old, contaminated or contains additives. Refer to Recommended Fluids and Lubricants in the Owner's Manual.
  3. Inspect the cooling system for the following:
  4. • Leaks
    • Kinked or pinched hoses, especially at the radiator
    • Loose, missing, or damaged radiator air seals or deflectors
    • The radiator and A/C condenser for any air flow obstructions or bent fins. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Cooling .

    Important: A small delay occurs before the ECM changes the cooling fan speed.

  5. Command the cooling fans in both low and high speed.
  6. If the cooling fans do not operate in both speeds, refer to Cooling Fan Inoperative .

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Test the thermostat for correct operation. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis .
  2. Test the engine cooling system for overheating. Refer to Engine Overheating .
  3. Inspect the water pump and coolant flow for correct operation. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .
  4. Inspect the engine for worn/leaking/cracked cylinder heads and engine block. Refer to Coolant in Combustion Chamber and Coolant in Engine Oil .

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.