Pinpoint Test E: DTC B1255 Or B1257
Climate Control System
Pinpoint Tests
Pinpoint Test E: DTC B1255 or B1257
Refer to Wiring Diagram Set 55, Automatic Climate Control System for schematic and connector information. Diagrams By Number
Normal Operation
Under normal operation, the ambient air temperature sensor receives a ground from the HVAC module. The sensor varies its resistance with the temperature. As the temperature rises, the resistance falls. As the temperature falls, the resistance rises. The HVAC module measures this resistance to determine the temperature at the sensor.
- DTC B1255 (Air Temperature External Sensor Circuit Open) - The module senses no voltage drop on the sensor reference voltage circuit, indicating an open circuit.
- DTC B1257 (Air Temperature External Sensor Circuit Short to Ground) - The module senses excessive voltage drop on the sensor reference voltage circuit, indicating a short directly to ground.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- Ambient air temperature sensor
- HVAC module - Dual Automatic Temperature Control (DATC)
PINPOINT TEST E: DTC B1255 OR B1257
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E1 CHECK THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR RESISTANCE
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Ambient Temperature Sensor C132.
- Measure the resistance between the ambient temperature sensor terminals.
- Is the resistance within the specified values for these temperature ranges: 10-20°C (50-68°F), 37,000-58,000 ohms; 20-30°C (68-86°F), 24,000-37,000 ohms; 30-40°C (86-104°F), 16,000-24,000 ohms?
Yes
GO to E2.
No
INSTALL a new ambient air temperature sensor. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation.
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E2 CHECK THE HVAC MODULE OUTPUT VOLTAGE
- Ignition ON.
- Press the AUTOMATIC button.
- Measure the voltage between ambient temperature sensor C132-1, circuit VH407 (YE/GN), harness side and C132-2, circuit RMC32 (GN/BU), harness side.
- Is the voltage between 4.7 and 5.1 volts?
Yes
INSTALL a new ambient temperature sensor. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation. If code returns, GO to E7 .
No
For DTC B1255, GO to E3.
For DTC B1257, GO to E5.
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E3 CHECK CIRCUIT VH407 (YE/GN) FOR AN OPEN
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: HVAC Module - DATC C228A.
- Measure the resistance between HVAC module - DATC C228A-17, circuit VH407 (YE/GN), harness side and ambient temperature sensor C132-1, circuit VH407 (YE/GN), harness side.
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes
GO to E4.
No
REPAIR circuit VH407 (YE/GN) for an open. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation.
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E4 CHECK CIRCUIT RH104 (BU/BN)/RMC32 (GN/BU) FOR AN OPEN
- Measure the resistance between HVAC module - DATC C228A-6, circuit RH104 (BU/BN), harness side and ambient temperature sensor C132-2, circuit RMC32 (GN/BU), harness side.
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes
GO to E7.
No
REPAIR circuit RH104 (BU/BN)/RMC32 (GN/BU) for an open. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation.
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E5 CHECK CIRCUITS VH407 (YE/GN) AND RH104 (BU/BN)/RMC32 (GN/BU) FOR A SHORT TOGETHER
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: HVAC Module - DATC C228A.
- Disconnect: HVAC Module - DATC C228B.
- Measure the resistance between ambient temperature sensor C132-1, circuit VH407 (YE/GN), harness side and C132-2, circuit RMC32 (GN/BU), harness side.
- Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms?
Yes
GO to E6.
No
REPAIR circuits VH407 (YE/GN) and RH104 (BU/BN)/RMC32 (GN/BU) for a short together. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation.
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E6 CHECK CIRCUIT VH407 (YE/GN) FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
- Ignition OFF.
- Measure the resistance between ground and HVAC module - DATC C228A-17, circuit VH407 (YE/GN), harness side.
- Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms?
Yes
GO to E7.
No
REPAIR circuit VH407 (YE/GN) for a short to ground. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation.
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E7 CHECK THE HVAC MODULE CONNECTION
- Disconnect and inspect the HVAC module connectors for:
- corrosion.
- pushed-out terminals.
- damaged terminals.
- Connect and correctly seat all the HVAC module connectors.
- Clear the DTCs.
- Operate the system.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: Self-Test - HVAC Module.
- Do the DTCs return?
Yes
INSTALL a new HVAC module. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.
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