Code Definition

B1290 — Servo Motor Potentiometer Airintake Right Circuit Short To Battery

System: Body  |  Type: Manufacturer-Specific  |  Make: Ford

About B1290

B1290 is a manufacturer-specific body diagnostic trouble code recorded for Ford vehicles. It belongs to the B-prefix family of codes, which covers body, interior, airbag, or comfort-electronics faults.

When B1290 is stored, the module has detected a short-circuit (voltage pulled to ground or to supply) in the monitored circuit.

Scanning & clearing: Body (B) codes are often stored in the body control module, airbag module, or climate module. A basic OBD-II tool usually will not read body codes — an enhanced or OEM-level scan tool is typically required.

B1290 is a manufacturer-specific code. The same code string on a different make may have a different meaning. Always confirm the code's definition against the vehicle's service information for the specific make and model under test.

Code Information

The HVAC control module, in some vehicles integrated with the Body Control Module (BCM), monitors the position of the right air intake mode door using a potentiometer mounted in the servo motor assembly. The potentiometer is fed a 5V reference voltage and returns a feedback signal that varies with door position, typically between 0.5V at one end of travel and 4.5V at the other. DTC B1290 sets when the module sees the feedback signal at or near battery voltage, indicating an unwanted connection between the signal wire and a 12V source somewhere in the circuit. When this fault is active, the rig...

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