AutoCodes – Ford – B135C Ford

B135C Ford 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 Ford 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 4,803
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 19, 2019
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Code B135C Ford 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 Ford - Heater Element Circuit Short - AutoCodes.com
B135C Ford Code - Heater Element Circuit Short

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B135C Ford?

  • 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 Ford?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B135C Ford 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 Ford code?

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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 Ford Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B135C in a Ford related to the Heater Element Circuit Short?

- The common symptoms include a malfunctioning heater, the inability to adjust the temperature, and potential issues with the climate control system.

2. What are the possible causes of the Heater Element Circuit Short OBDII code B135C in a Ford?

- The code B135C can be caused by a short circuit in the heater element circuit, a faulty heater control module, damaged wiring, or a defective temperature sensor.

3. How can I diagnose the Heater Element Circuit Short OBDII code B135C in my Ford?

- To diagnose the issue, you can use an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific code, check the wiring and connections related to the heater circuit, and test the components for proper functionality.

4. Is it safe to continue driving my Ford with the B135C OBDII code related to the Heater Element Circuit Short?

- It is not recommended to continue driving your Ford with this code, as it can lead to further damage to the heating system and potentially affect the overall operation of the vehicle's climate control.

5. Can I repair the Heater Element Circuit Short OBDII code B135C in my Ford myself?

- Depending on your skill level and experience with automotive repairs, you may be able to address the issue yourself by checking and repairing any damaged wiring, replacing faulty components, or resetting the system.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair the Heater Element Circuit Short OBDII code B135C in a Ford?

- The cost of repairing the B135C code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may involve expenses for replacement parts, labor costs, and diagnostic fees.

7. Are there any preventive measures I can take to avoid encountering the Heater Element Circuit Short OBDII code B135C in my Ford in the future?

- To prevent this code from reoccurring, it's essential to perform regular maintenance on your Ford's heating system, address any issues promptly, and ensure all electrical connections are secure.

8. Will resetting the OBDII system clear the B135C code related to the Heater Element Circuit Short in my Ford?

- Resetting the OBDII system may temporarily clear the code, but it is crucial to identify and address the root cause of the issue to prevent the code from reappearing.

9. Can a faulty thermostat cause the OBDII code B135C related to the Heater Element Circuit Short in a Ford?

- While a faulty thermostat may not directly cause the B135C code, it can affect the overall performance of the heating system and should be checked if you encounter this code.

10. Is it necessary to visit a dealership or mechanic to diagnose and repair the OBDII code B135C related to the Heater Element Circuit Short in my Ford?

- While visiting a dealership or mechanic is recommended for accurate diagnosis and professional repair, you may attempt to address the issue yourself if you have the necessary tools and expertise.

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