P1280 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P1280 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code.

It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles, although specific repair steps may be different depending on your car model.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P1280 diagnostic trouble code may include:

The engine oil will exhibit dilution from the ECUs attempts to increase engine temperature. Some vehicles advance the fuel injection timing slightly after top center to afterburn a small amount of fuel to increase exhaust temperatures. Some of this fuel enters the crankcase. When the ECU determines the necessity to regenerate the DPF, the service life of the oil be shortened significantly
Faulty or damaged wiring
Hesitation upon acceleration
Rich or lean exhaust

Possible Causes :

Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)
A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.
Defective ECU strategies or components will prevent proper regeneration

Repair Processes :

If you find a related TSB, the information will often help in diagnosing the code in question as TSBs are crested from many thousands of repairs. Look for missing ground strap or a rusty ground where the fuel tank is grounded to the frame. Check for damage to the wiring harness connector. Replace the oxygen sensor that is downstream from the catalytic converter on the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder #1. Also, if a oxygen sensor code stating "heater circuit malfunction" the sensor has most probably failed.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P1280 is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before P1280.

Fortunately, P1280 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

P1280 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

P1280 Toyota Proace Park Brake Actuator Assembly Switch Released Circuit Short to Gnd
P1280 Mazda Sentia A/C Clutch Magnetic Control Circuit Failure
P1280 Porsche Gt2 Fuel Pump Resistor Switch Circuit Malfunction
P1280 Mercury Ln7 Air Suspension LR Height Sensor Circuit Failure
P1280 Singer 8 Internal ECM Malfunction
P1280 Dodge Intrepid Ignition Cylinder Sensor Battery Short
P1280 Reliant Rebel Gate Select Actuator Circuit Low