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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD2010FOCUS SES, 2D COUPE, STANDARDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE MECHANICALCOOLING SYSTEM (MECHANICAL)ENGINE COOLING SYSTEMDESCRIPTION AND OPERATIONENGINE COOLINGFAIL SAFE COOLING
2010 Ford Focus SES, 2D Coupe, Standard

Fail Safe Cooling

2010 Ford Focus SES, 2D Coupe, StandardSECTION Fail Safe Cooling

The vehicle has a strategy built into the PCM that will control the engine if it starts to overheat.

Stage 1 of the strategy will commence if the engine starts to overheat. The Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) sensor transmits a signal to the PCM, which then moves the temperature gauge pointer into the red zone.

If the engine is not switched off and the temperature continues to rise, the Powertrain Check Lamp is illuminated. This indicates to the driver that the engine is approaching critical limits and should be stopped. At this point DTC P1285 is set in the PCM which can be retrieved using a scan tool.

Stage 2 of the strategy will commence if the lamp and temperature gauge are ignored by the driver. The PCM will start to control the engine by cutting out 2 cylinders and restricting the rpm to below 3,000 rpm. Simultaneously the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will be illuminated. This indicates that long term engine damage can occur and vehicle emissions will be affected. At this point DTC P1299 is set in the PCM which can be retrieved using a scan tool.

Air is then drawn into the deactivated cylinders. This helps to control the temperature of the engine internal components. The deactivated cylinders are alternated to allow even cooling of all the cylinders.

NOTE: If the driver is using a high percentage of throttle travel (for example, an overtaking maneuver) when the PCM starts engine deactivation (Stage 2), the deactivation will be delayed for 10 seconds.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.