U0286Lost Communication With Radiator Anti-Tamper Device
- Generic OBD-II code · Network
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- Some low-emission vehicles carry a catalytic radiator coating that breaks down ground-level ozone; BASF sells it as PremAir, and EPA and CARB grant 5 mg/mi credit for it. CARB requires the OBD system to watch such a direct ozone reduction system. A Ford patent shows how: a unit whose pins are pushed between the radiator fins sends the ECU a temperature value, relevant because the coating only works from roughly 60 °C, together with an encrypted identity, and a breakable pin stops it being moved to a cheaper uncoated radiator. U0286 means the engine controller no longer hears this device, so it can neither confirm the coated radiator nor track its temperature. No manufacturer documents U0286 in a publicly accessible service text. Cooling itself is unaffected; the MIL can light.
- What you may notice
- Malfunction indicator lamp on
- Further codes for the ozone reduction system or radiator temperature
- Likely causes
- LikelyConnector or wiring of the device at the radiator corroded or damaged
- PossibleAnti-tamper device internally faulty
- PossibleRadiator replaced and device missing or broken off
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Medium · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €100 – €900
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.