AutoCodes – Lincoln – B1038 Lincoln

B1038 Lincoln Code - Left Front Seat Heater Sensor

Quick Answer

The engine must be running for the heated seat system to operate. Common causes include Faulty Left Front Seat Heater Sensor, Left Front Seat Heater Sensor harness is open or shorted, Left Front Seat Heater Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical. The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.

What it means: B1038 Lincoln indicates Left Front Seat Heater Sensor.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Left Front Seat Heater Sensor, Left Front Seat Heater Sensor harness is open or shorted, Left Front Seat Heater Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical.
Can I drive?: The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.

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Code Popularity 1,981

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Low (Monitor) (1 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Nov 18, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1038 Lincoln Description

The engine must be running for the heated seat system to operate. The driver and passenger heated seat buttons are selected from the touchscreen interface, which initiates the CAN communication to request heated seat operation. Upon receiving the request, the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Module supplies voltage to the appropriate driver and/or passenger seat cushion and backrest heater mats, which are connected in series. Temperature is maintained by the HVAC module using a sensor contained within the cushion heater mat. The HVAC module supplies a reference voltage to the temperature sensor and monitors the return signal from the temperature sensor for controlling current flow to the heater mats. The HVAC module remains on, heating the seat and maintaining temperature until commanded off from the touchscreen (or until the ignition is turned OFF).

OBDII Code B1038 Lincoln - Left Front Seat Heater Sensor - AutoCodes.com — B1038 Lincoln Code - Left Front Seat Heater Sensor

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1038 Lincoln?

Faulty Left Front Seat Heater Sensor
Left Front Seat Heater Sensor harness is open or shorted
Left Front Seat Heater Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Module

How to Fix the DTC B1038 Lincoln?

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

B1038:11 Left Front Seat Heater Sensor: Circuit Short To Ground
B1038:12 Left Front Seat Heater Sensor: Circuit Short To Battery

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B1038 Lincoln 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 B1038 Lincoln code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1038 Lincoln code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1038 Lincoln code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 B1038 Lincoln Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1038 in a Lincoln related to the Left Front Seat Heater Sensor?

The common symptoms include the left front seat heater not working, no heat emitted from the left front seat, or an illuminated seat heater warning light on the dashboard.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1038 in a Lincoln related to the Left Front Seat Heater Sensor?

Possible causes include a faulty left front seat heater sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the seat heater system, or a problem with the seat heater control module.

3. How can I diagnose the issue causing OBDII code B1038 in a Lincoln related to the Left Front Seat Heater Sensor?

You can start by checking the wiring and connectors of the left front seat heater sensor, testing the sensor for continuity, and inspecting the seat heater control module for any visible damage.

4. What are some repair tips for resolving OBDII code B1038 in a Lincoln related to the Left Front Seat Heater Sensor?

Try resetting the fault code first to see if it reoccurs, inspect and repair any damaged wiring or connectors, replace the left front seat heater sensor if it's faulty, and ensure proper connection and functionality of the seat heater system components.

5. Can I continue to drive my Lincoln with OBDII code B1038 related to the Left Front Seat Heater Sensor?

It is generally safe to drive the vehicle with this code, but it's recommended to address the issue promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the left front seat heater system.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1038 in a Lincoln related to the Left Front Seat Heater Sensor?

The cost of repairs can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may involve expenses for parts replacement, labor, and diagnostic tests. It's advisable to consult a professional mechanic for an accurate estimate.

7. Are there any DIY fixes for OBDII code B1038 in a Lincoln related to the Left Front Seat Heater Sensor?

While some basic troubleshooting steps can be performed by DIY enthusiasts, repairing or replacing components related to the left front seat heater sensor may require specialized tools and expertise. It's best to seek professional assistance for a thorough repair.

8. Will resetting the OBDII code B1038 related to the Left Front Seat Heater Sensor make it go away permanently?

Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but if the underlying issue causing the fault code is not addressed, it is likely to reappear. It's essential to diagnose and repair the root cause to prevent recurring problems.

9. Can extreme temperatures or weather conditions affect the triggering of OBDII code B1038 in a Lincoln related to the Left Front Seat Heater Sensor?

Extreme temperatures or weather conditions can potentially impact the performance of the seat heater system components, but the fault code B1038 is typically related to specific sensor or wiring issues rather than external factors.

10. Is it necessary to visit a dealership for repairs related to OBDII code B1038 in a Lincoln related to the Left Front Seat Heater Sensor?

While dealerships have specialized knowledge and access to OEM parts, independent automotive repair shops with experience in Lincoln vehicles can also effectively diagnose and repair issues related to OBDII code B1038. Choose a reputable service provider for quality repairs.