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P1258

Engine Coolant Overtemperature Protection Mode Active.

  • Chrysler
  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer code
  • High severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
1
Defined byThe manufacturer
2
AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuit)
58
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

On Chrysler vehicles P1258 means the engine control module has put the engine into coolant overtemperature protection mode. It sets when the coolant temperature signal has climbed above the calibrated limit, so the ECM limits engine output and may disable cylinders to reduce heat and prevent damage. The exact trigger temperature and the protection strategy vary by engine and model.

Symptoms

  • Temperature gauge reading high or warning light on
  • Reduced power or limp-home type behaviour
  • Engine running roughly or misfiring as cylinders are cut
  • Cooling fans running constantly or at high speed
  • Coolant loss, steam or a sweet smell from the engine bay
  • Check engine light on

Possible causes

  • Low coolant level from a leak (hoses, radiator, water pump, heater matrix or head gasket)likely
  • Cooling fan, fan relay, fuse or fan control circuit faultlikely
  • Thermostat stuck closed or slow to openlikely
  • Blocked or restricted radiator, or air trapped in the cooling systempossible
  • Failing water pump or slipping drive beltpossible
  • Faulty coolant temperature sensor or wiring giving a false high readingpossible
  • Head gasket failure or cracked head forcing combustion gases into the coolantrare

How to diagnose

  1. Let the engine cool fully, then check coolant level and condition, looking for oil contamination, rust or sludge
  2. Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data to see the temperature, load and speed when the fault set
  3. Visually inspect hoses, radiator, water pump and cap for leaks, and check the drive belt condition
  4. Check the cooling fan fuses and relays, and confirm the fans operate when commanded and when the engine reaches temperature
  5. Compare the live coolant temperature reading with an independent temperature measurement at the thermostat housing or hose
  6. Check the thermostat operation and that the upper and lower radiator hoses both heat up as expected
  7. Pressure test the cooling system and test for combustion gases in the coolant
  8. Inspect the coolant temperature sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage or poor contact

How to fix

  • Repair any coolant leak, then refill and bleed the system to the manufacturer's procedure
  • Replace a faulty cooling fan, relay or damaged wiring
  • Replace a sticking thermostat
  • Flush or replace a restricted radiator, and replace a failed water pump or drive belt
  • Replace a faulty coolant temperature sensor or repair its wiring and connector
  • Repair or replace the head gasket or cylinder head if combustion gas leakage is confirmed

Can I keep driving?

High severity

Stop driving as soon as it is safe, because continued overheating can cause severe engine damage such as a failed head gasket. Do not open the cap while hot, and have the car recovered or the cause fixed before further use.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.

This code for other makes

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