What does the P1281 code mean for a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

On my way home from work this morning, my check engine light came on. Before I could check it, I noticed the engine temperature was lower than usual. It went back up to normal, then dropped again, and after a while, it rose again. When I got home, I checked the code, and it’s P1281. I found out I need a new thermostat. How soon should I get this fixed? My work schedule is really busy for the next two weeks.

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Replacing the thermostat will take about 15 to 30 minutes, and it will cost you at most $10 if you do it yourself.

You might need to use a code reader to clear the check engine light so it doesn’t come back on.

If you buy an aftermarket thermostat, make sure it’s a 195-degree thermostat (the original part will also be the right temperature). Jeeps do not like to run cold. I have a 195-degree Stant brand thermostat in my Jeep, and it works great. The temperature should reach 210 on the gauge within about 7 minutes after starting the engine from cold. It should stay around 210 even if it’s 100 degrees outside and the A/C is on, as long as the rest of your cooling system is working well. During warm-up, mine might go just above 210 for a moment, but then you can see the gauge drop as the thermostat opens, and it settles back to 210 and stays there.

This is where my temperature gauge has been after I fully warmed up the engine and drove it a bit with the new thermostat. I honestly don’t remember where the gauge was with the old one. I don’t think the code just needs to be cleared because it hasn’t come back since I replaced the thermostat.

Did you mean to take the pic of ur Odometer like that, or just taking a pic of the temp and it happened to be coincidence?

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Haha, I took the picture for the odometer, but it was also useful to show the temperature too!

Is that with the new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) thermostat, or the new aftermarket thermostat?

that’s with the new aftermarket one. I have a new OEM one on the way.

That’s about where mine runs. Disconnect the battery cable for 10 minutes, then see if the code comes back. You should be alright.

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I cleared the code out before and it came back with in 10 miles

If you’re still getting the code, the jeep is running too cold. Chances are the guy at the parts shop gave you a 160 or 180 degree stat instead of the 195 degree one. At this point, just wait until the OEM one arrives, put it in and you should see the temp gauge rise to 210. This is where normal is on the jeep. You can still drive it in it’s current condition, but you’ll get poor(er) fuel economy.

Thanks for your help. I should have the OEM one this week. And it installed the following week, when I have time haha. Yeah I thought it used to sit a little higher. Like just to the left of center and the oil is to the right of center.

No problem…and you’re correct about the gauge readings, should be a lot closer to “12 o’clock” than it is. Your oil pressure reading in the pic you posted looks exactly like where mine reads. Let us know how it turns out.