P1285Cylinder head over-temperature

• Ford code · Engine
• Turns on the check-engine light

How the car detects it

The cylinder head temperature (CHT) sensor saw the engine overheat. Many Ford engines measure engine temperature in the cylinder head instead of the coolant, and the cluster may show an overheating warning or push the gauge to H. Stop as soon as it is safe, switch the engine off and let it cool before checking the coolant level; driving on can crack the head.

What you may notice

• Engine temperature warning or gauge at H
• Check-engine light

Likely causes

• PossibleLow coolant level (leak)
• PossibleCooling system fault: thermostat, water pump, radiator fan, blocked radiator
• RareCylinder head temperature sensor
• RareInternal engine fault such as a head gasket

Sources

• charm.li › P1285
• dtcdecode.com › P1285
• troublecodes.net › fordcodes
• static.nhtsa.gov › MC-11024273-0001.pdf · official document

Backed by at least two independent sources.

From Obdaryn's Ford pack, exactly as the app shows it, with the public sources above. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.