Skip to content

P1299 – Cylinder Head Overtemperature Protection Active – Ford (Ford 1.0 EcoBoost)

Fault code P1299 means "Cylinder Head Overtemperature Protection Active – Ford". It is common on 1.0 EcoBoost (Fiesta, Focus, B-Max, C-Max, EcoSport), 1.6 EcoBoost, Duratec and other Ford petrol engines with cylinder head temperature sensor engines. Below are the real-world causes, step-by-step tests and OEM part numbers.

Last updated

P1299 quick summary

Fault codeP1299
MeaningCylinder Head Overtemperature Protection Active – Ford
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesFord
Common on1.0 EcoBoost (Fiesta, Focus, B-Max, C-Max, EcoSport), 1.6 EcoBoost, Duratec and other Ford petrol engines with cylinder head temperature sensor
SeverityCritical
Can I drive?No. Stop as soon as it is safe and switch off the engine. Driving on can crack the cylinder head.
Repair cost€20 – €3,000

Symptoms of P1299

  • Temperature warning and 'Engine overheating' message
  • Engine power cut (fail-safe mode)
  • Steam or coolant smell
  • Coolant level low
  • Heater blows cold

Most common causes of P1299 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

Ford uses a cylinder head temperature sensor instead of a classic coolant sensor. P1299 means the engine control unit has cut power to protect the engine. On the 1.0 EcoBoost a split coolant hose or leaking expansion tank was a known cause – some early models were recalled for it. Never keep driving after this code: check for an open recall on your VIN and find the leak.

  1. 1.Coolant leak (split hose, expansion tank, water pump)

    Most likely

  2. 2.Faulty thermostat

  3. 3.Cooling fan not working

  4. 4.Air in the cooling system after repair

  5. 5.Head gasket failure

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Let the engine cool down; check the coolant level only when it is cold.

  2. 2

    Look for leaks at hoses, the expansion tank and the water pump; pressure-test the cooling system.

  3. 3

    Check that the cooling fan runs and the thermostat opens.

  4. 4

    Check the cylinder head temperature in live data and test for head gasket damage if coolant is lost without visible leaks.

  5. 5

    Repair the cause, bleed the system, clear codes and check for recalls.

How do I read fault codes? →Where the OBD2 port is, which scanner to use and how to read and clear codes step by step.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive home with P1299?

No. The engine has already overheated. Stop and have the car recovered – continuing can destroy the engine.

Is there a recall for the 1.0 EcoBoost?

Ford recalled some early 1.0 EcoBoost models for the coolant hose. A Ford dealer can check by VIN.

Related fault codes

This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.