P1296 Error Code
 

The engine light just came on yesterday. I went to autozone and got the P1296 error code. Their scanner said that it was something about the "fuel metering", but of course that is probably wrong.
I took it to my mechanic and he got the same error, but didn't have any specific info about it. He said that according to his computer the error might be related to the exhaust, but that he needed a VGA(?) scanner so I should take it to the dealer :eek:

I searched for this code on the forums and according to other people it is a problem with the engine coolant temp sensor.

I got home and without turning the car off, I opened the hood and noticed that the fan that is close to the coolant was on. I think it's not supposed to be on all the time.

Has anyone had this problem before? Do I really need a VGA(?) scanner?

I will appreciate your help!

mine is running all the time

Mine is going on and off now. I hope it's just the sensor because its supposed to be really cheap.
Are you planning on doing anything to your car?

i dont think so, it didn't give me a CEL so its running fine

could also be a stuck thermostat. Does your car take a long time to warm up or overheat quickly? The thermostat is pretty cheap, as is the coolant temp sensor you mentioned. Both are a bit of a pain in the ass to replace unless you're a member of the lollipop guild

"fuel metering" is a pretty vague phrase, the mechanic couldn't give you anymore insight than that?

I'll take a look at the thermostat.
"Fuel metering" is what the scanner @ autozone had for the error code I have.
My mechanic didn't know what to do, he didn't have info for the P1296 error code.

Thanks for your input!

The coolant temperature sensor is much more common to failure than the thermostat and could also be the culprit. If it were me, it is easier and about the same price (for parts) to replace the coolant temp sensor, I would do the CTS first. What year and engine do you have?

2000 1.8t

Agree with the above diagnosis. Coolant temp sensor OR thermostat. If you aren't having any overheating problems, your cooling fans are erratic and since the CTS is easier to get to and replace, do that and see if your problem goes away. If it doesn't well then you know its the thermostat and you already have a new CTS.

Thanks guys! I'll give it a try!