DTC B1260 OR B1261 FROM HVAC OR CMDTC DIAGNOSTICS

Applicable Models

Model Starting S/N Ending S/N Model Spec
  MAZDA3 2006-2008   000000   ZZZZZZ   EQUIPPED WITH AUTO A/C
  MAZDA5 2006-2008   000000   ZZZZZZ   EQUIPPED WITH AUTO A/C
  CX7 2007-2008   000000   ZZZZZZ   EQUIPPED WITH AUTO A/C
  CX9 2008-2009   000000   ZZZZZZ   EQUIPPED WITH AUTO A/C

Related Category/Subcategory/Symptoms

BODY AND ACCESSORY / OTHER / DOES NOT TURN OFF/WARNING LIGHT
ENGINE / CONTROL SYSTEM / DOES NOT TURN OFF/WARNING LIGHT
HVAC / CONTROL SYSTEM / DOES NOT TURN OFF/WARNING LIGHT
BODY AND ACCESSORY / INSTR.PANEL/GLOVEBOX / DOES NOT TURN OFF/WARNING LIGHT

MTOL - 4778 Dealer Repair Information

Symptom and Conditions

Vehicles equipped with the Automatic Climate Control System will falsely
indicate DTC B1260 or B1261 when performing diagnostic self tests (all 
CMDTCs or just Electrical - Climate Control).                          
                                                                       
The DTC(s) are caused by the Solar Radiation producing the incorrect   
voltage to pass the self test.  It is likely that the sensor is        
operating properly and the DTC is a result of inadequate light on the  
sensor.                                                                
                                                                       
When performing HVAC DTC inspection, as outlined in section 07-02 of the
workshop manual, technicians are instructed to Shine a 60W incandescent
light from a distance of approx. 100 mm {3.9 in} directly onto the solar
radiation sensor.                                                      
                                                                       
NOTE:  When light is shined on the Solar Radiation Sensor, the sensor  
generates a voltage which varies based on the brightness and heat      
emitted by the light source.                                           
                                                                       
NOTE:  It is against OSHA regulations to use incandescent lights in a  
service shop.  Below you will find information explaining an alternative
procedure.                                                             
                                                                       
NOTE:  A fluorescent or LED lamp cannot be used for this procedure.    
Although a fluorescent or LED lamp may be brighter than an incandescent
one, they do not emit enough heat energy for the correct sensor voltage.
                                                                       
When you retrieve DTC B1260 or B1261, you can do one of the following: 
- If you are not diagnosing concerns for the Climate Control system,   
ignore the DTC.                                                        
- If you want to confirm if the DTC is valid, follow the procedure     
below.                                                                  
             

Repair Procedure

1. Connect M-MDS or WDS to the DLC-2.                                  
2. Proceed to the areas relating to Self Test Diagnostics for Electrical
- Climate Control or all CMDTC.                                        
3. Prior to initiating the Self Test, shine a sealed incandescent       
flashlight inside the vehicle 2 to 3 inches away from the sensor.  Focus
the beam directly on the top of the sensor for the duration of the self 
test.                                                                   
                                                                        
NOTE:  The angle of the light shined on the sensor is not critical, but 
it is critical that the beam be focused on the top of the sensor from 2 
to 3 inches (5 to 8mm) away.                                            
                                                                        
NOTE:  In place of using a flashlight, the test may be performed outside
on a sunny day with the windshield of the vehicle facing the sun.       
                                                                        
4. Initiate the Diagnostic Self Test while continuing to focus the      
flashlight on the sensor.                                               
                                                                        
5. Check if either of the DTC's appear:                                 
  NO: End Diagnosis                                                     
 YES: Continue Diagnosis using the WSM section 07-02 HVAC On-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC.      
                                                       
 The following flashlights have been verified to work with the procedure:
- MINI MAGLITE (powered by AA)                                                                                                                 
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