Code Definition

P1294 — Engine coolant temperature sensor shorted to ground

System: Powertrain  |  Type: Manufacturer-Specific  |  Make: Audi

About P1294

P1294 is a manufacturer-specific powertrain diagnostic trouble code recorded for Audi vehicles. It belongs to the P-prefix family of codes, which covers engine, transmission, emissions, or fuel-system faults.

When P1294 is stored, the module has detected a short-circuit (voltage pulled to ground or to supply) in the monitored circuit; and a sensor-related fault — the reported value from the named sensor is out of spec.

Scanning & clearing: A generic OBD-II scan tool will usually read and clear powertrain (P) codes. For live data, freeze-frame capture, and bi-directional tests you may need a more capable scan tool that supports the vehicle's ECM protocol.

P1294 is a manufacturer-specific code. The same code string on a different make may have a different meaning. Always confirm the code's definition against the vehicle's service information for the specific make and model under test.

Code Information

The engine coolant temperature sensor is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor mounted in the coolant flange, supplied with a 5V reference through a pull up resistor inside the Engine Control Module. As coolant warms the thermistor resistance falls and pulls the signal voltage down, so the module converts that voltage into a temperature reading. DTC P1294 is stored when the ECM sees the coolant temperature signal held at or very close to zero volts, a value below anything the sensor could produce at any realistic temperature, which it identifies as a short to ground. Because a signal a...

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