PINPOINT TEST D : B135C:11 or B135C:15: Notes

Diagnostic Overview

B135C:11 or B135C:15

Diagnostics in this article assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to Service Information for information regarding Ford-specific diagnostic practices.

Refer to Adjustable Steering Column for schematic and connector information.

Normal Operation and Fault Conditions

NOTE: On all vehicles, slow heating between the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock steering wheel hand positions is considered normal. On vehicles equipped with wood inserts in the steering wheel, there is no heating elements located under the inserts.

When steering wheel heat is requested, 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 will draw between 1 and 10A of current depending on steering wheel temperature. The steering wheel contains 3 heating elements wired in parallel and has a resistance of 1.6-2.6 ohms. If the steering wheel is equipped with wood inserts, the steering wheel contains 2 heating elements wired in parallel and has a resistance of 2.1-3.1 ohms. The Heated Steering Wheel Module (HSWM) heats the steering wheel until switched off on the FDIM or the ignition is turned OFF.

DTC Fault Trigger Conditions

DTC	Description	Fault Trigger Conditions
B135C:11	Heater Element: Circuit Short to Ground	This DTC will only set when the heated steering wheel is commanded on. The module senses current greater than 10A on the steering wheel heating element output circuit for greater than 80ms, indicating a short to ground, this DTC sets. This DTC also sets when the steering wheel heating element output FET in the module has a thermal failure. The steering wheel heating element output will be disabled until the ignition is cycled.
B135C:15	Heater Element: Circuit Short to Battery or Open	This DTC will only set when the heated steering wheel is commanded on. The module senses current less than 1A on the steering wheel heating element output circuit for more than 80ms, indicating a short to voltage or an open circuit or heating element. The steering wheel heating element output will be disabled until the ignition is cycled.