P1299Manufacturer-specific code

P1299 Code: Cylinder Head Overtemperature Protection Active (Ford)

On Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, the P1299 code means the cylinder head overtemperature protection is active. The engine runs on fewer cylinders with very little power. Stop driving and let it cool before you do anything else.

Severity
Critical
Can I keep driving?
No, stop and have it checked
Estimated cost
$10 to $2,000
Difficulty
Medium
System
Idle and Speed Control
Applies to
Depends on the manufacturer

Common in: Ford

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

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What the P1299 code means

P1299 is a manufacturer-specific code: the 1 in the second position means each automaker defines what it stands for, not the generic standard. The most widespread definition is the one used by Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. If your vehicle is another brand, confirm the code text with a scan tool that supports that manufacturer.

ManufacturerMeaning of P1299
Ford, Lincoln and MercuryCylinder head overtemperature protection active

Some Ford engines, especially the Zetec, Duratec and Modular, measure the temperature at the cylinder head with the CHT sensor instead of, or in addition to, the coolant temperature. If they detect overheating, they turn on a protection mode that shuts off cylinders.

The computer sets the P1299 code once it has already activated the protection: it cuts fuel injection to some cylinders so that air flowing through them cools them down. The engine runs with very little power.

Before you repair anything, confirm the make, model, year and engine. With manufacturer codes, the same number can change even between engines from the same brand.

P1299 code symptoms

  • Heavy loss of power.
  • The engine runs with cylinders shut off.
  • High temperature gauge.

Likely causes of the P1299 code

  1. Lack of coolant. Confirm it with the tests in the diagnosis section.
  2. Thermostat or fan. Confirm it with the tests in the diagnosis section.
  3. Water pump. Measure its real flow or pressure.
  4. Head gasket if the engine loses coolant with no visible leaks.

How to diagnose the P1299 code step by step

  1. Pull over and let the engine cool.
  2. Find the cause of the overheating.
  3. Run a combustion gas test on the coolant if it is losing fluid.

How to fix the P1299 code

  • Repair the cause of the overheating.
  • Check the head gasket, then clear the P1299 code and confirm the engine holds a normal temperature.

Technical reference data

  • The protection alternates which cylinders are shut off so that they cool down.
  • P1xxx codes are manufacturer-specific: confirm the definition with a scan tool that supports your brand.
  • Values are approximate: check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

Common on the Focus, Fiesta, Escape, Explorer, Ranger, F-150 and Mustang.

If your vehicle is another brand, check the table above for the meaning its manufacturer gives the code, and confirm it with a scan tool that supports that brand.

Frequently asked questions about P1299

What does the P1299 code mean on a Ford?
It means the cylinder head overtemperature protection is active. The engine runs on fewer cylinders with very little power.
Does P1299 mean the same thing on every brand?
No. It is a manufacturer code, and on other brands it may not exist or it may mean something else.
Can I drive with a P1299 code?
No. The engine is in overheating protection. Pull over, shut it off and let it cool, then look for the cause before it gets worse.
How much does it cost to fix P1299?
On a Ford the cost runs from about $10 to $2,000. Topping off coolant is cheap, while a water pump costs more and a head gasket or head damage is the expensive end.
Will a P1299 code clear itself?
No. The protection will turn on again as long as the engine overheats, so the code returns until the cause is repaired.
What is the most common cause of P1299?
Lack of coolant, followed by a thermostat, fan or water pump problem. If the engine loses coolant with no visible leak, suspect the head gasket.

Related codes

Questions about the P1299 code

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