AutoCodes – Mercury – B1038 Mercury

B1038 Mercury 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 Mercury 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 1,113

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1038 Mercury?

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 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

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 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 B1038 Mercury Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor)?

The common symptoms of OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor) include a malfunctioning or inoperative left front seat heater.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor)?

Possible causes of OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor) include a faulty left front seat heater sensor, damaged wiring, or a problem with the seat heater control module.

3. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor)?

To diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor), you can use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the specific fault code and then inspect the left front seat heater sensor and associated wiring for any visible damage.

4. Can I repair OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor) on my own?

Repairing OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor) may require some technical knowledge. It is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for accurate diagnosis and repair.

5. What are the potential risks of ignoring OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor)?

Ignoring OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor) can result in discomfort while driving, especially during cold weather, and may lead to further damage to the seat heater system.

6. Is it safe to drive with OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor) triggered?

It is generally safe to drive with OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor) triggered, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the left front seat heater.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor)?

The cost of repairing OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor) can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue and the labor rates of the repair shop. It is advisable to obtain a few quotes from reputable mechanics.

8. Can a damaged left front seat heater sensor cause other issues in the vehicle?

A damaged left front seat heater sensor related to OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor) is unlikely to cause other major issues in the vehicle, but it can affect the comfort and functionality of the seat heater system.

9. Are there any preventive measures to avoid OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor)?

Regularly inspecting and maintaining the seat heater system, including the left front seat heater sensor, can help prevent issues that may trigger OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor).

10. How long does it take to repair OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor)?

The repair time for OBDII code B1038 Mercury (Left Front Seat Heater Sensor) can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue and the complexity of the repair. It is best to consult a professional mechanic for an accurate estimate.