B1260
Low Severity (Level 2)Solar Radiation Sensor Circuit Short To Battery
B1260 usually means solar Radiation Sensor Circuit Short To Battery.
Can you still drive with B1260?
⚠️Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
Typical repair cost: $40 – $200
Severity Level 2 — Low
This code indicates a minor issue that is unlikely to cause immediate driveability problems. You can typically continue driving but should have the vehicle inspected at your earliest convenience.
Common Symptoms
- Engine staying on or functioning when they shouldn't (powered continuously)
- Battery draining overnight or when vehicle is parked
- Engine not responding to controls — stuck in one state
- Excessive current draw on the intake air temperature sensor circuit (fuse may blow repeatedly)
Possible Causes
- Damaged wiring in the intake air temperature sensor harness shorted to a 12V power source — wiring insulation chafed through from rubbing against metal body panels
- Water intrusion or corrosion in intake air temperature sensor electrical connector causing internal short to battery voltage
- Failed IAT sensor — internal short to power within the component
- Aftermarket accessory installation tapped into the wrong circuit, back-feeding 12V
Common Fixes
- Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($23-130 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the intake air temperature sensor wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $143 diagnostic fee at shop)
- Repair or replace damaged section of wiring harness where short is located — solder and heat-shrink all connections, don't use crimp connectors on critical circuits ($144-227 depending on accessibility)
- If IAT sensor is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($30-200)
- Clean all ground points related to the intake air temperature sensor — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($74-179 at shop)
Estimated Repair Cost
These are estimated costs based on generic repair data. Actual costs may vary depending on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B1260 mean?
B1260 stands for "Solar Radiation Sensor Circuit Short To Battery". B1260 usually means solar Radiation Sensor Circuit Short To Battery.
Can you drive with B1260?
Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
How much does it cost to fix B1260?
Repair costs for B1260 typically range from $40 to $200, depending on your vehicle make, model, and local labor rates. Common fixes include: Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($23-130 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the intake air temperature sensor wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $143 diagnostic fee at shop); Repair or replace damaged section of wiring harness where short is located — solder and heat-shrink all connections, don't use crimp connectors on critical circuits ($144-227 depending on accessibility).
Will B1260 clear itself?
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