AutoCodes – Generic – B135C

B135C Code - Heater Element Circuit Short

Quick Answer

When steering wheel heat is requested and the engine is running, the Heated Steering Wheel Module (HSWM) applies voltage and ground to the steering wheel heating element (integral to the steering wheel). Common causes include Faulty Steering Wheel, Steering Wheel harness is open or shorted, Steering Wheel circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: B135C indicates Heater Element Circuit Short.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Steering Wheel, Steering Wheel harness is open or shorted, Steering Wheel circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 1,639

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 19, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B135C Description

When steering wheel heat is requested and the engine is running, the Heated Steering Wheel Module (HSWM) applies voltage and ground to the steering wheel heating element (integral to the steering wheel). The steering wheel heating element draws between 1 and 10 amps of current depending on steering wheel temperature. The HSWM uses a sensor in the steering wheel (integral to the steering wheel) to maintain the heated steering wheel temperature. The HSWM is designed to remain on, heating the steering wheel and maintaining temperature until switched OFF using the FDIM or the ignition is turned OFF. The OBDII code sets when the heated steering wheel is commanded on and the HSWM senses current greater than 10 amps or less than 1 amp from the steering wheel heating element output circuit, indicating a short to ground or voltage, or when the steering wheel heating element output Field Effect Transistor (FET) in the HSWM has a thermal failure. When this fault sets, the steering wheel heating element output is disabled until the ignition is cycled.

OBDII Code B135C - Heater Element Circuit Short - AutoCodes.com — B135C Code - Heater Element Circuit Short

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B135C?

Faulty Steering Wheel
Steering Wheel harness is open or shorted
Steering Wheel circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Clockspring
Faulty Heated Steering Wheel Module (HSWM)

How to Fix the DTC B135C?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

B135C:11 Heater Element Circuit Short to Ground
B135C:15 Heater Element Circuit Short to Battery or Open

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B135C code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the B135C code?

Need more information on how to fix the B135C code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B135C code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B135C Ford — Heater Element Circuit Short
B135C Lincoln — Heater Element Circuit Short
B135C Mercury — Heater Element Circuit Short

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B135C Code

1. What does the OBDII code B135C mean?

Code B135C indicates a short circuit in the heater element circuit, which is typically responsible for providing heat to components such as heated seats or HVAC systems.

2. What are the common symptoms of code B135C?

Symptoms may include non-functional heated seats, inconsistent cabin heating, a blown fuse, or an illuminated check engine or system-specific warning light.

3. What causes the B135C code to appear?

Common causes include damaged or shorted wiring, a faulty heater element, a blown fuse, or a malfunctioning control module.

4. How can I diagnose the B135C code?

Start by inspecting the heater element wiring for damage or shorts, check related fuses, and test the heater element and circuit continuity using a multimeter.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with the B135C code?

Yes, you can typically drive with this code, but any associated systems (e.g., heated seats or HVAC heating) may not function properly.

6. How do I fix the B135C code?

Repairs might include replacing damaged wiring, repairing or replacing the heater element, or replacing a blown fuse or faulty control module.

7. How much does it cost to fix the B135C code?

Repair costs vary but may range from $50 to $300 depending on whether you need to replace wiring, fuses, or the heater element.

8. Can a blown fuse cause the B135C code?

Yes, a blown fuse in the heater element circuit can trigger this code, often due to an underlying issue like a short circuit.

9. Do I need a professional to fix the B135C code?

While some repairs like replacing a fuse or inspecting wiring can be done at home, diagnosing and fixing complex electrical issues may require professional assistance.

10. Will clearing the code fix the B135C issue?

Clearing the code will temporarily turn off the warning light, but the root cause must be addressed to prevent the code from returning.