AutoCodes – Mercury – B135C Mercury

B135C Mercury 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 Mercury 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 659

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B135C Mercury?

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 Mercury?

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 Mercury 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.

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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 Mercury Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B135C Mercury Heater Element Circuit Short?

- The common symptoms include a malfunctioning heater, lack of heat in the cabin, and an illuminated check engine light.

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

- The possible causes could be a faulty heater element, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, or a malfunctioning control module.

3. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B135C Mercury Heater Element Circuit Short?

- You can use a diagnostic scanner to read the code, visually inspect the wiring and connectors, test the heater element for continuity, and check the fuse related to the heater circuit.

4. What are some repair tips for resolving OBDII code B135C Mercury Heater Element Circuit Short?

- Repair tips may include replacing the faulty heater element, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, checking and replacing the blown fuse, and resetting the fault code with a scanner.

5. Can I continue driving my Mercury with OBDII code B135C Heater Element Circuit Short?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with this code as it may lead to reduced heating capabilities in the vehicle and potential damage to other components.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B135C Mercury Heater Element Circuit Short?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

7. Is OBDII code B135C Mercury Heater Element Circuit Short a common issue in Mercury vehicles?

- This code can occur in Mercury vehicles, especially in models with heating system components that are prone to wear and tear over time.

8. Can I reset the OBDII code B135C Mercury Heater Element Circuit Short without fixing the underlying issue?

- It is possible to reset the code temporarily, but the underlying issue causing the fault will need to be addressed to prevent the code from reoccurring.

9. What should I do if OBDII code B135C Mercury Heater Element Circuit Short keeps coming back after repair?

- If the code keeps coming back, it may indicate an unresolved issue with the heater element circuit that requires further diagnostics and repair by a qualified technician.

10. Are there any preventive measures to avoid OBDII code B135C Mercury Heater Element Circuit Short in the future?

- Regular maintenance of the heating system, checking for signs of wear or damage, and addressing any issues promptly can help prevent the occurrence of this fault code.