Pinpoint Test E : Height Sensor Electrical Faults
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Refer to Vehicle Dynamic Suspension
for schematic and connector information.
Normal Operation and Fault Conditions
REFER to: Vehicle Dynamic Suspension - System Operation and Component Description . The VDM continually monitors the height sensor circuits and sets a DTC when a circuit fault is detected. A shorted height sensor also causes the VDM to set a DTC.
DTC Fault Trigger Conditions
DTC Description Fault Trigger Condition VDM C1A03:11 Left Front Height Sensor: Circuit Short To Ground One or more of these Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) sets in continuous memory when the VDM detects a short to ground or an open on one or more of the height sensor signal circuits. VDM C1A04:11 Right Front Height Sensor: Circuit Short To Ground One or more of these Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) sets in continuous memory when the VDM detects a short to ground or an open on one or more of the height sensor signal circuits. VDM C1A03:12 Left Front Height Sensor: Circuit Short To Battery One or more of these Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) sets in continuous memory when the VDM detects a short to battery on one or more of the height sensor signal circuits. VDM C1A04:12 Right Front Height Sensor: Circuit Short To Battery One or more of these Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) sets in continuous memory when the VDM detects a short to battery on one or more of the height sensor signal circuits. VDM U200D:11 Control Module Output Power A: Circuit Short To Ground One or both of these Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) sets in continuous memory when the VDM detects a short to ground one or more of the height sensor power circuits. VDM U200D:12 Control Module Output Power A: Circuit Short To Battery One or both of these Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) sets in continuous memory when the VDM detects a short to battery on one or more of the height sensor power circuits Possible Sources
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- Height sensor
- VDM
Visual Inspection and Pre-checks
- Make sure the height sensor harness is routed correctly and is undamaged.
- Make sure the height sensor electrical connector is free from any corrosion or other contaminants.
- NOTE: Use the correct probe adapter(s) when making measurements. Failure to use the correct probe adapter(s) may cause damage to the connector.
- E1 CHECK THE VDM (VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL MODULE) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS)
- Ignition ON.
-
NOTE: If both types of faults are present (XXXXX:11 and XXXXX:12), diagnose the XXXXX:12 fault first.
Using a diagnostic scan tool, carry out the VDM self-test.
Is DTC C1A03:12, C1A04:12, or U200D:12 present?
Yes GO to E2 No If DTC C1A03:11, C1A04:11, or U200D:11 is present, GO to E3 For all other VDM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), GO to DTC Chart: Vehicle Dynamics Control Module (VDM) . - E2 CHECK THE HEIGHT SENSOR CIRCUITS FOR A SHORT TO BATTERY
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect VDM C4396A.
- Disconnect the suspect height sensor electrical connectors (both front sensors.
- Ignition ON.
- For the left front height sensor, measure:
Positive Lead Measurement / Action Negative Lead C1153-1 Ground C1153-2 Ground C1153-3 Ground
- For the right front height sensor, measure:
Positive Lead Measurement / Action Negative Lead C1151-1 Ground C1151-2 Ground C1151-3 Ground
Is any voltage present?
Yes For front height sensor concerns, INSPECT connectors C1151 and C1153 for corrosion, pushed out pins, bent pins and spread terminals. REPAIR as necessary. If the connectors are OK, REPAIR the affected circuit. No GO to E5 - E3 CHECK THE HEIGHT SENSOR CIRCUITS FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect VDM C4396A (if not previously disconnected).
- Disconnect the suspect height sensor electrical connector (if not previously disconnected).
- For the left front height sensor, measure:
Positive Lead Measurement / Action Negative Lead C1153-1 Ground C1153-2 Ground C1153-3 Ground
- For the right front height sensor, measure:
Positive Lead Measurement / Action Negative Lead C1151-1 Ground C1151-2 Ground C1151-3 Ground
Are the resistance greater than 10, 000 ohms?
Yes GO to E4 No For front height sensor concerns, INSPECT connectors C1151 and C1153 for corrosion, pushed out pins, bent pins and spread terminals. REPAIR as necessary. If the connectors are OK, REPAIR the affected circuit. - E4 CHECK THE HEIGHT SENSOR CIRCUITS FOR AN OPEN
- For the left front height sensor, measure:
Positive Lead Measurement / Action Negative Lead C1153-1 C4396A-4 C1153-2 C4396A-14 C1153-3 C4396A-15
- For the right front height sensor, measure:
Positive Lead Measurement / Action Negative Lead C1151-1 C4396A-16 C1151-2 C4396A-5 C1151-3 C4396A-6
Are the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes GO to E5 No For front height sensor concerns, INSPECT connectors C1151 and C1153 for corrosion, pushed out pins, bent pins and spread terminals. REPAIR as necessary. If the connectors are OK, REPAIR the affected circuit. - For the left front height sensor, measure:
- E5 CHECK THE HEIGHT SENSOR CIRCUITS FOR A SHORT TOGETHER
- Ignition OFF.
- For the left front height sensor, measure:
Positive Lead Measurement / Action Negative Lead C1153-1 C1153-2 C1153-1 C1153-3 C1153-2 C1153-3
- For the right front height sensor, measure:
Positive Lead Measurement / Action Negative Lead C1151-1 C1151-2 C1151-1 C1151-3 C1151-2 C1151-3
Are the resistances greater than 10, 000 ohms?
Yes INSTALL a new height sensor. REFER to: Front Suspension Height Sensor No For front height sensor concerns, INSPECT connectors C1151 and C1153 for corrosion, pushed out pins, bent pins and spread terminals. REPAIR as necessary. If the connectors are OK, REPAIR the affected circuit.