P1296 AUDI, VOLKSWAGEN: ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
POST UPDATED IN June, 2023
P1296 AUDI, VOLKSWAGEN: ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
Engine temperature plays an essential role in the efficient operation of the engine due to temperature directly influences the combustion process. Combustion is moderately lean in a cold engine. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) improves the air-fuel mixture till the engine coolant is approximately 104° F to aid combustion. Nevertheless, this action rises emissions meaningfully till the coolant temperature may be in a minimum level, so the PCM will reduce emissions and fuel will be saved.
The Powertrain Control Module relies on the input data from the ECT (Coolant Temperature Sensor) to regulate and control the coolant temperature. This is compared to the desired temperature, which is determined by the time elapsed since engine start-up, as well as the intake air.
The P1296 OBD2 diagnostic code on Volkswagen, Audi, and Volvo vehicles shows the PCM has found a condition in which the engine coolant is not achieving a predetermined temperature. Typically, this temperature is 175°F, which must be reached within a continuous engine operating time.
Reasons for setting the P1296 OBDII DTC P1296 OBDII code:
To troubleshoot the P1296 OBD2 fault code, try this: