How to Diagnose and Solve B1491 Ignition Cylinder Sensor Circuit Failure Issues

Introduction

If you own a car, you know how frustrating it can be when something goes wrong. One of the most common issues that car owners face is a B1491 ignition cylinder sensor circuit failure. This problem can cause your car to stall or not start at all, leaving you stranded. In this article, we will discuss how to diagnose and solve this issue.

What is a B1491 Ignition Cylinder Sensor Circuit Failure?

The B1491 code is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that indicates a problem with the ignition cylinder sensor circuit. This sensor is responsible for detecting the position of the ignition key and sending a signal to the engine control module (ECM). If the sensor circuit fails, the ECM will not receive the signal, and the engine may not start.

Diagnosing the Issue

The first step in diagnosing a B1491 ignition cylinder sensor circuit failure is to check the battery voltage. Low battery voltage can cause this issue, so it’s important to make sure your battery is fully charged. If the battery voltage is normal, the next step is to check the ignition switch. A faulty ignition switch can also cause this problem.

If the ignition switch is working correctly, the next step is to check the ignition cylinder sensor. To do this, you will need a multimeter. First, disconnect the sensor from the wiring harness. Then, set your multimeter to measure resistance and touch the probes to the sensor terminals. The resistance should be between 500 and 700 ohms. If the resistance is outside of this range, the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Solving the Issue

If you have determined that the ignition cylinder sensor is faulty, you will need to replace it. To do this, you will need to remove the steering column cover and disconnect the wiring harness from the sensor. Then, remove the sensor from the ignition cylinder and install the new sensor. Reconnect the wiring harness and replace the steering column cover.

Preventing Future Issues

To prevent future B1491 ignition cylinder sensor circuit failure issues, it’s important to keep your car’s electrical system in good condition. Regular maintenance, such as checking the battery voltage and replacing worn ignition components, can help prevent this problem from occurring.

Conclusion

A B1491 ignition cylinder sensor circuit failure can be a frustrating problem for car owners. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you can diagnose and solve this issue quickly and easily. Remember to keep your car’s electrical system in good condition to prevent future issues.

FAQs

1. Can a B1491 ignition cylinder sensor circuit failure cause my car to stall?

Yes, a B1491 ignition cylinder sensor circuit failure can cause your car to stall or not start at all.

2. How do I know if my ignition cylinder sensor is faulty?

You can use a multimeter to check the resistance of the sensor. The resistance should be between 500 and 700 ohms. If it’s outside of this range, the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

3. How can I prevent future B1491 ignition cylinder sensor circuit failure issues?

Regular maintenance, such as checking the battery voltage and replacing worn ignition components, can help prevent this problem from occurring.