B1287 – Servo Motor Potentiometer Airintake Left Circuit Short To Ground

The ODBII code B1287 indicates a short circuit to ground in the left circuit of the servo motor potentiometer for the air intake system, which can affect the operation of the air intake control.

The severity of ODBII code B1287 is moderate.

Common Causes For: B1286 Servo Motor Potentiometer Airintake Left Circuit Short To Battery

• Damaged wiring or connectors
• Shorted potentiometer
• Faulty servo motor
• Corroded connections
• Grounding issues
• Malfunctioning air intake system components
• Faulty engine control module (ECM)

Common misdiagnosis for B1287 Servo Motor Potentiometer Airintake Left Circuit Short To Ground

• Faulty servo motor
• Wiring issues or shorts in the harness
• Defective air intake sensor
• Malfunctioning engine control module (ECM)
• Incorrectly calibrated throttle position sensor
• Vacuum leaks in the intake system
• Issues with the intake manifold or throttle body
• Faulty connectors or terminals in the circuit

Common Troubleshooting Steps

The OBD-II code B1287 indicates a problem with the servo motor potentiometer circuit for the air intake system, specifically a short to ground in the left circuit. Here are some common troubleshooting steps to diagnose and resolve this issue:

• Visual Inspection: **Wiring and Connectors: Check the wiring harness and connectors associated with the servo motor potentiometer for any signs of damage, fraying, or corrosion. Look for loose connections or broken wires.
• **Ground Connections: Inspect the ground connections for the servo motor and potentiometer. Ensure they are clean and secure.
• Check for Short Circuits: **Multimeter Testing: Use a multimeter to check for continuity between the potentiometer circuit and ground. If you find continuity where there shouldn’t be any, you likely have a short circuit.
• **Inspect Circuit: Trace the wiring from the potentiometer to the control module to identify any points where the wire may be pinched or damaged.
• Test the Potentiometer: **Resistance Check: Measure the resistance of the potentiometer using a multimeter. Compare the readings to the specifications in the vehicle’s service manual. If the resistance is outside the specified range, the potentiometer may be faulty.
• **Functionality Test: If possible, test the potentiometer while moving it through its range to ensure it provides a smooth and consistent signal.
• Check the Servo Motor: **Operation Test: If the potentiometer checks out, test the servo motor itself. Ensure it operates correctly when commanded by the vehicle’s control module.
• **Power Supply: Verify that the servo motor is receiving the correct voltage and ground. Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the motor connector.
• Scan for Additional Codes: **Check for Related Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any additional trouble codes that may provide more context or indicate related issues.
• Inspect the Control Module: **Control Module Functionality: If all other components check out, the issue may lie within the control module itself. Inspect for any signs of damage or failure.
• **Reprogramming/Resetting: In some cases, reprogramming or resetting the control module may resolve the issue.
• Clear Codes and Test Drive: After performing repairs or replacements, clear the trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner and take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the code returns.
• Consult Service Manual: If the issue persists, consult the vehicle’s service manual for specific diagnostic procedures and specifications related to the B1287 code.
• Seek Professional Help: If you are unable to resolve the issue after these steps, consider seeking help from a professional mechanic or automotive technician who has experience with your specific vehicle make and model. By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue related to the B1287 code.