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Pinpoint Test E: DTC B1255 Or B1257




Climate Control System

Pinpoint Tests

Pinpoint Test E: DTC B1255 or B1257

Refer to Wiring Diagram Set 55, Automatic Climate Control System for schematic and connector information. Diagrams By Number

Normal Operation

Under normal operation, the ambient air temperature sensor receives a ground from the HVAC module. The sensor varies its resistance with the temperature. As the temperature rises, the resistance falls. As the temperature falls, the resistance rises. The HVAC module measures this resistance to determine the temperature at the sensor.

- DTC B1255 (Air Temperature External Sensor Circuit Open) - The module senses no voltage drop on the sensor reference voltage circuit, indicating an open circuit.
- DTC B1257 (Air Temperature External Sensor Circuit Short To Ground) - The module senses excessive voltage drop on the sensor reference voltage circuit, indicating a short directly to ground.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- A/C ambient temperature sensor
- HVAC module

PINPOINT TEST E: DTC B1255 OR B1257

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E1 CHECK THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR RESISTANCE


- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Ambient Temperature Sensor C132.
- Measure the resistance between the ambient temperature sensor terminals.




- Is the resistance within the specified values for these temperature ranges: 10-20°C (50-68°F), 37,000-58,000 ohms; 20-30°C (68-86°F), 24,000-37,000 ohms; 30-40°C (86-104°F), 16,000-24,000 ohms?

Yes
GO to E2.

No
INSTALL a new ambient air temperature sensor. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation.

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E2 CHECK THE HVAC MODULE OUTPUT VOLTAGE


- Ignition ON.
- Press the AUTOMATIC button.
- Measure the voltage between ambient temperature sensor C132-1, circuit 3061 (LB/OG), harness side and C132-2, circuit 3059 (YE/LG), harness side.




- Is the voltage between 4.7 and 5.1 volts?

Yes
INSTALL a new ambient air temperature sensor. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation. If the code returns, GO to E7.

No
If diagnosing DTC B1255, GO to E3.

If diagnosing DTC B1257, GO to E5.

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E3 CHECK CIRCUIT 3061 (LB/OG) FOR AN OPEN


- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: HVAC Module C228A.
- Measure the resistance between HVAC module C228A-7, circuit 3061 (LB/OG), harness side and ambient temperature sensor C132-1, circuit 3061 (LB/OG), harness side.




- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?

Yes
GO to E4.

No
REPAIR circuit 3061 (LB/OG) for an open. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation.

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E4 CHECK CIRCUIT 3059 (YE/LG) FOR AN OPEN


- Measure the resistance between HVAC module C228A-4, circuit 3059 (YE/LG), harness side and ambient temperature sensor C132-2, circuit 3059 (YE/LG), harness side.




- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?

Yes
GO to E7.

No
REPAIR circuit 3059 (YE/LG) for an open. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation.

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E5 CHECK CIRCUITS 3061 (LG/OG) AND 3059 (YE/LG) FOR A SHORT TOGETHER


- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: HVAC Module C228A.
- Measure the resistance between ambient temperature sensor C132-1, circuit 3061 (LB/OG), harness side and C132-2, circuit 3059 (YE/LG), harness side.




- Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms?

Yes
GO to E6.

No
REPAIR circuit 3061 (LG/OG) for a short to circuit 3059 (YE/LG). CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation.

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E6 CHECK CIRCUIT 3061 (LG/OG) FOR A SHORT TO GROUND


- Measure the resistance between HVAC module C228A-7, circuit 3061 (LG/OG), harness side and ground.




- Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms?

Yes
GO to E7.

No
REPAIR circuit 3061 (LG/OG) for a short to ground. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation.

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E7 CHECK THE HVAC MODULE CONNECTION


- Inspect the module connectors for:

- corrosion.
- pushed-out terminals.
- damaged terminals.
- Connect and correctly seat all the HVAC module connectors.
- Clear the DTCs.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?

Yes
INSTALL a new HVAC module. REFER to Climate Control Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) Module. TEST the system for normal operation.

No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.

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