P1462

What it means

P1462 on a Ford means the powertrain control module has seen the signal voltage from the air conditioning pressure sensor sit higher than expected for longer than the allowed time. This usually points to a fault in the sensor circuit (open circuit, short to voltage, poor reference or ground) or the sensor itself, rather than a real refrigerant pressure problem. The module may stop the A/C compressor from engaging to protect the system.

Symptoms

• Air conditioning not blowing cold or compressor not engaging
• Compressor clutch cutting in and out or not running at all
• Engine warning light on, with the code stored
• Cooling fan running constantly or at odd times with A/C selected
• Slightly changed idle speed when A/C is switched on, or no idle change at all

Possible causes

• Faulty A/C refrigerant pressure sensor (transducer) reading high or open circuitlikely
• Damaged, corroded or loose sensor connector or terminalslikely
• Open circuit in the sensor ground or signal wire giving a false high voltagepossible
• Signal wire shorted to the reference supply or another voltage sourcepossible
• Genuinely excessive refrigerant system pressure from overcharge, blocked condenser or poor condenser airflowpossible
• Fault inside the powertrain control modulerare

How to diagnose

1. Read the stored codes and freeze frame data, noting whether A/C was on and the engine temperature when the fault set
2. Visually inspect the sensor, connector and harness for damage, corrosion, water ingress or chafing
3. Check the live A/C pressure sensor reading with the engine off and compare it with the expected value for ambient temperature; a reading stuck at the top of the range suggests an electrical fault
4. Unplug the sensor and check the reference voltage and ground at the connector against the wiring diagram for your model
5. Check the signal wire for continuity and for shorts to voltage or ground, and compare with the live data while wiggling the harness
6. Connect a manifold gauge set to confirm the real refrigerant pressure matches what the sensor reports
7. Check condenser condition, cooling fan operation and airflow if actual pressure is high
8. If all else is sound, test the module's sensor circuit before suspecting the control unit

How to fix

• Replace the A/C pressure sensor if its output is out of range or does not match gauge pressure
• Repair or replace the damaged connector, terminals or wiring, including any open or shorted circuit
• Restore correct ground or reference supply if either is missing
• Correct the refrigerant charge by recovering and recharging to the specified amount, and rectify any condenser blockage or fan fault
• Replace or reprogram the powertrain control module only when testing proves it faulty, as per the model's procedure

Can I keep driving?

This code for other makes

• P1462BMWHeated Catalyst Internal Control Module Checksum ROM Error
• P1462LincolnAir Conditioning Pressure Sensor Circuit High Input
• P1462MercuryAir Conditioning Pressure Sensor Circuit High Input
• P1462OtherA/C pressure sensor circuit voltage high
• P1462VolkswagenExhaust Gas Temperature Control Bank 2 Range Performance

Nearby codes

• P1461FordAir Conditioning Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input
• P1463FordAir Conditioning Pressure Sensor Insufficient Pressure Change