Some 2022-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit an intermittent check engine light on with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1026 and/or P1299 present in the powertrain control module (PCM) and an engine over-temperature message displayed on the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after a cold start in cold (at or below freezing) ambient temperatures. The vehicle may also enter fail safe cooling open loop mode when this concern occurs. If the engine does not show any obvious signs of overheating and Workshop Manual, Section 303-03A diagnostics are inconclusive, clear the DTCs to reset the fail safe cooling open loop mode. Inform the customer that Ford is currently investigating this concern and that they can continue to drive the vehicle. Monitor OASIS for further updates.
