Method for testing a control device for at least one PTC heating element or a PTC heater for a vehicle and control device for at least one PTC heating element of a PTC heater for a vehicle

The method involves applying a test mode signal with a characteristic signal course to a control input (111) of a control device (110) and applying a test signal with a preset signal course to a test mode input (113) of the control device, to displace the control device into a test mode and to output a test sequence to an interface to positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating elements (130). A correct function of the control device or a PTC heater (100) is determined if sensor information is matched with reference information within a tolerance range, to test the control device or heater. The PTC heating elements include PTC resistors (130A, 130X). An independent claim is also included for a control device.