B0268 code meaning
HVAC Mode Door 1 Circuit
What B0268 means
B0268 is not in the published J2012 lists, but General Motors uses the number: bulletin PIP5094, written for 2014 and older GM cars and light trucks, includes it in its keyword list of body codes, without a descriptor. The mode door routes air to face vents, footwell or windshield. GM's later Global A system files the mode actuator under B0233; B0150 and B0170 also exist for this door. Such actuators are often a DC motor with a geared potentiometer returning about 0 to 5 V, per MOTOR magazine; newer ones count commutator pulses instead. In Nissan Shatai's patent US4819715A one actuator sets a shutter to open the upper vents, the defroster or neither. A circuit fault leaves the door in its last position.
B0268 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0268
- Air stays on one outlet, for example defrost, whatever mode is chosen
- Pressing the mode button no longer changes where the air comes out
Common causes of B0268
- Most likelyMode door actuator motor or position feedback failed
- PossibleActuator over-travelling or binding at the door, overloading its drive
- Less likelyActuator plug or wiring behind the dash open or shorted
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hvac mode actuatorHvac control module
What each part of B0268 means
| B | Body system: airbags, seat belts, power seats, lights and climate control. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 68 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0268 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about B0268
What does B0268 mean?
B0268 means "HVAC Mode Door 1 Circuit". B0268 is not in the published J2012 lists, but General Motors uses the number: bulletin PIP5094, written for 2014 and older GM cars and light trucks, includes it in its keyword list of body codes, without a descriptor. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0268?
B0268 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0268 fail an emissions test?
B0268 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is B0268 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will B0268 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.