Code Definition

B1494 — Ignition Cylinder Sensor Ground Short

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

About B1494

B1494 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 B1494 is stored, the module has detected a short-circuit (voltage pulled to ground or to supply) in the monitored circuit; and a sensor-related fault — the reported value from the named sensor is out of spec.

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.

B1494 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 Ignition Cylinder Sensor on Ford vehicles, also known as the PATS transceiver coil or key transponder antenna, is a small ring shaped coil mounted around the ignition lock cylinder and is part of the Passive Antitheft System. The coil reads the encrypted RF signal from the chip in the ignition key and forwards it to the PATS module, BCM, or PCM during the start sequence. Code B1494 sets when the controlling module detects that one of the antenna circuit wires is shorted to ground rather than carrying the small AC excitation pulse the module expects. The short pulls the antenna feed down to...

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