Check Engine code P1281

[jtm703]

Happened this morning on my way back from NC.

The folks at Autozone thought it was a "air/fuel meter" warning, but I looked it up on the web and my research indicates it's a "engine operating below acceptable temp range" warning.

Which is right?

It did take much longer than normal to warm up to normal its normal operating temp this morning (a hair above 210) while driving through the mountains.

I'm thinking that the thermostat is stuck open.

 

[xt master]

Watch the gauge.I know mine will get to about 190 then once it opens it will drop to around 160.If you it is stuck open you will not ever change.Although stuck open and running at 210 is high.

 

[SteelHeadz]

X2, stuck thermostat.

 

[Utah_jeepster]

SYMPTOM
P1281-ENGINE IS COLD TOO LONG

WHEN MONITORED
The ignition key on, engine running.

SET CONDITION
The engine does not warm to 176 deg. F while driving for 20 minutes after start.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

• Engine cold too long
  

 

[jtm703]

That's what I thought, guys, thanks for confirming!

 

[jtm703]

The thermostat wasn't just stuck open...it was BROKEN. Very close to shooting metal parts into the engine block. (See photo below.)

Since I was in there, did a flush and fill...the coolant was red, which in my mind means there's rust in the system somewhere. Gotta get that stopped.

 

[Crazy4diesels]

At some point Chrysler switched to "HOAT" antifreeze which is an orangy-red color. "They" say NOT to switch to any other type of antifreeze. My 2005 has "HOAT" - maybe 2003 was "HOAT" too and that's why it looks rusty. Mikey may chime in and tell us when the change was instituted. - John

I had a T stat self destruct like that in an old Chrysler 440. The part that held the pellet broke off so it had nothing to push against and the stat stayed closed.

 

[jtm703]

Well then that brings good and bad news...

Good news being that I don't have rust in the cooling system.

Bad news being I used regular old green Peak antifreeze.

Thanks for the info!

 

[SteelHeadz]

The Hoat antifreeze was introduced in the late 90's . If you decide to switch from the 3yr to the 5yr coolant, make sure you completely flush the system with water then drain it before refilling it with the 5yr (hoat) coolant. So far from what I've seen, longterm aftermath of mixing the 2 types of coolant turns the 2 mixture into a gel like consistency and plugs up the water jacket ports in the cylinder head which inturn causes overheating. I've only seen one catastrophic engine failure because of this but I sure don't want to be the one to experience the expense of the repairs.

 

[jtm703]

Whoah...gel in the water jacket?

I'll be flushing again and putting the HOAT back in.

Good info, thanks man.