P1296 Volkswagen

Engine Cooling System Malfunction

Table of contents

• Possible Causes
• How To Fix
• Tech Notes
• Cost To Diagnose
• Possible Symptoms
• Description

P1296 VOLKSWAGEN Possible Causes

• Low engine coolant level
• Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
• Faulty engine coolant thermostat
• Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor harness is open or shorted
• Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor electrical circuit poor connection

How do I fix code P1296 VOLKSWAGEN?

  Check the “Possible Causes” listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector’s pins.

Tech Notes

  User Submitted Video

Cost of diagnosing the P1296 VOLKSWAGEN code

  The cost of diagnosing the P1296 VOLKSWAGEN code is 1.0 hour of labor. The auto repair labor rates vary by location, your vehicle’s make and model, and even your engine type. Most auto repairs shops charge between $75 and $150 per hour.

Possible Symptoms

• Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)

P1296 VOLKSWAGEN Description

  The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is used to detect the engine coolant temperature. The sensor modifies a voltage signal from the Engine Control Module (ECM). The modified signal returns to the ECM as the engine coolant temperature input. The sensor uses a thermistor which is sensitive to the change in temperature. The electrical resistance of the thermistor decreases as temperature increases.