Cyl Head Over Temperature
The POWERSTROKE-P1285 (Power Stroke) diesel fault code means: Cyl Head Over Temperature. This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- intermediate
- Estimated cost
- $200-$800
Down with a Power Stroke fault on the road?
Get connected with a verified mobile diesel mechanic near you. Verified diesel & reefer techs, launching on the freight corridor.
Find a mobile mechanic →A $30 car code reader can't do diesel. The HD7000 reads full-system codes and does parked DPF regen, idle/speed-limit, and service resets from the cab — on everything from a 6.7 Cummins/Power Stroke/Duramax pickup to Class-8 trucks (Detroit, Paccar, CAT, Volvo, Mack, International).
Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link -- we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Full-system 6/9/16-pin diesel scan tool for Cummins, Paccar, CAT, Detroit and more — plug-and-play, no subscription. A cheaper way to read heavy-duty codes a basic OBD2 scanner skips entirely.
Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link -- we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Common Symptoms
- Temp warning
- CEL
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Cooling system restriction Likely
- Failed water pump Likely
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
Check coolant flow.
Replace water pump if weak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P1285 on a 7.3L Power Stroke?
P1285 on a 7.3L Power Stroke (1994-2003) indicates: Cyl Head Over Temperature. This is a known diagnostic trouble code on this engine family and typically points to the causes listed above.
Can I drive with P1285 on my Power Stroke?
Only drive short distances to get to a repair facility. Continued operation may cause further damage.
How much does it cost to fix P1285?
Repair cost is typically $200-$800 depending on the underlying cause and whether you DIY or use a shop. Diagnostic time alone runs $100-$180 at most independent diesel shops.
P1285 on Other Platforms
The same code ID appears across other engines, vehicles, and equipment. Diagnostic flow varies by platform — see the matching breakdown: