B1261

Code

LAND ROVER B — Body

Solar radiation sensor - short circuit on the ground

Brand: LAND ROVER

Type: B — Body

Views: UK: 24 EN: 30 RU: 29

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Page language: EN

Causes

Short to ground on the solar sensor signal wire
Damaged/pinched wiring harness or chafed insulation
Corroded or pushed-out connector pins at the sensor or module
Water ingress or contamination at the sensor/connector
Failed solar radiation sensor
Faulty HVAC/control module (less common) or poor module ground

Symptoms

Automatic climate control fails to compensate for sunlight (incorrect cabin temperature)
HVAC in AUTO mode behaves inconsistently or uses default settings
Dash message or fault indicator related to solar sensor or climate control
DTC stored; possible inability to perform some automatic HVAC functions
No drivability issues (engine operation usually unaffected)

What to check

Read and record all stored climate/HVAC DTCs; note freeze-frame data if available
Visually inspect solar sensor (usually on dash top near windshield) and its connector for corrosion, moisture, damage
Inspect wiring route from sensor to HVAC module for chafing, pinching, or recent service damage (windshield/dash work)
Backprobe connector with ignition on to measure reference, signal and ground
Check continuity from sensor ground to chassis ground and module ground
Unplug sensor and see if code persists after clearing (to isolate sensor vs harness/module)

Signal parameters

Reference supply: approx. 5 V reference from HVAC module (verify with meter)
Signal output: varies with irradiation; typically a mid-range voltage (0–5 V). A stuck near 0 V or 0.0–0.5 V can indicate a short to ground
Ground: continuity to chassis ground expected (low ohms)
Open-circuit reading or no reference voltage indicates different fault (open or module issue)

Diagnostic algorithm

Confirm code B1261 present and clear codes. Cycle ignition and attempt to reproduce code to verify persistence.
Locate solar radiation sensor (top of dash near windshield). Inspect connector and sensor for moisture, debris or damage. Replace sensor if physically damaged.
With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the sensor connector: check for reference (~5 V), signal, and good ground. If reference missing, suspect module/power feed; if signal is ~0 V, suspect short to ground.
If signal is low, trace the signal wire toward the HVAC module. Inspect harness visually and feel along its length for pinched/damaged areas. Repair any damaged sections.
If no obvious damage, disconnect sensor and measure resistance between the signal wire and ground to confirm short. Repair short (insulate/replace wiring) as needed.
After repair or sensor replacement, clear DTCs and confirm proper operation of automatic climate control and that code does not return. Perform a road test or sunlight exposure check if needed.
If wiring and sensor check good but issue persists, test or replace the HVAC/control module or consult manufacturer-specific wiring diagrams and module tests.

Likely causes

Connector at dash-mounted sensor has water or corrosion causing a ground short
Wire rubbed through against metal under dash or firewall and contacting chassis ground
Previous repair (windshield replacement, dash removal) left harness kinked or pinched
Sensor internal short due to age or moisture
Loose or corroded ground at the HVAC module

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Solar radiation sensor circuit — short to ground detected. The HVAC control module has detected the sensor signal line at a low/ground potential and stored DTC B1261. Automatic solar compensation may be disabled until fault is resolved.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours

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B1261 — Solar radiation sensor - short circuit on the ground