Yet Another Code Pops Up

[merlot4]

An ordinary day, I start the car and suddenly the red temperature icon and orange engine icon of death show up. The code is P 1289, which can be a cylinder head temperature sensor, among other things. Annoying, and probably expensive, but it's starting to go with the territory. It goes in tomorrow, I hope it's an easy fix, and if parts are needed, that they're available.

Here's the code meaning for anyone interested.
https://obd2-codes.co/codes/p1289-ford/

[007Cruiser]

Wishing you the best, Richard. Rooting for a simple fix.

[merlot4]

Since these answers can help, I received a call from the shop, and after looking all over the place, they found that the wire to the cylinder sensor had been chewed through. The chipmunks and squirrels, and whatever other rodents out there, are attracted to modern wiring covering, and can do quite a bit of expensive damage. The last squirrel incident ended badly for the squirrel -it was at a belt when I started the car..... So, if you can keep your car in a protected garage, or have some dogs, or cats, so much the better. I like my car quite a bit, but the repairs can be costly.

[15AGAIN]

My grand son's car had the wiring eaten by a squirrel during the long cold and snow event we had. It has to replace the complete wiring harness at a cost of about 4K. At least the insurance will cover most of it.

[merlot4]

Wow, the wiring harness, that would be terrible! I have a feeling my insurance won't cover this, but it might be worth looking into. Thanks for the note, Bill, I hope your grandson's car will be up and running soon.

[BillyL]

I know of no case where the auto insurance covered rodent damage, but if your car is garaged your homeowner policy might. In 2010 my wife's Lincoln LS had similar damage and the homeowner's policy covered it. Ever since then, I keep a rodent bait box stationed under the front of the Bird and a Victor brand electronic rodent repellent plugged in the garage. Knock on wood, no other rodent/wiring issues since then.

[merlot4]

I was curious, so I called State Farm, and the agent thought that it probably would be covered, so I called the make a claim number. The gentleman refused to budge from the script, and with one brilliant leading question, made me realize why I'm with State Farm -I told him a squirrel had eaten the wire, and he asked if I had called the police. Well, duh, why didn't I think of that?! Now, of course, the crime scene is at the shop, so I've missed my chance. I think that if I spoke to the right person, it might be partially covered, but without the police squirrel crime report, well, I don't know. The next time a tiny criminal in a fur coat with a long bushy tail eats the wiring, I'll know who to call on the little blighter so that I can make a proper claim.

[BillyL]

I did not have to get a police report in my case! But I did have to get the shop to write a report for the insurance claim. I also went through my insurance agent to file the claim not the computer agent. I suggest you contact your agent and try again.

[merlot4]

I did contact the agent this morning, Billy. They realized the seriousness when I mentioned that there now seems to be a squirrel cartel in the yard planning evil deeds. Anyway, it's in the pipeline, so perhaps they will help to defray the cost. Thanks for sharing your experience, and advice.

[merlot4]

Without dragging this out further, I just received notice that the insurance company has paid the claim, minus the deductible. I;m surprised, and pleased. Thanks to all for the suggestions, it saved me most of the bill.

[007Cruiser]

That’s great Richard!

[Brad]

If anyone ever needs wiring harnesses I have boxes of them. Dropped this one off in Kentucky today 20230228_171758.jpg

[merlot4]

That's good information to have, Bob, thanks for adding that.

[BillyL]

Good for you and glad that I helped. But do add the rodent bait box under your car because once the little rodents find something to eat they like THEY WILL RETURN!!

[merlot4]

Billy, I have tried the electronic devices, but didn't notice any difference. There are wild animals that I don't wish to harm, so bait isn't an option. The last time I trapped some in a live catch trap and took them to a new locale, it seemed to open some sort of squirrel dimensional opening and then there more than ever. The best cure is a large cat, or terrier sort of dog, neither of which I have. The hawks, and owls help, but not enough.