B1216 – Emergency & Road Side Assistance Switch Circuit Short to Ground
The ODBII code B1216 indicates a short circuit to ground in the emergency and roadside assistance switch circuit, which may affect the functionality of the switch.
The severity of ODBII code B1216 is moderate.
Common Causes For: B1215 Running Board Lamp Circuit Short to Battery
- Damaged wiring or connectors
- Shorted wires
- Faulty emergency/roadside assistance switch
- Corroded connections
- Water intrusion or moisture in the circuit
- Improper installation or modifications
- Grounding issues in the circuit
Common misdiagnosis for B1216 Emergency & Road Side Assistance Switch Circuit Short to Ground
- Faulty emergency switch
- Wiring harness issues
- Shorted wiring
- Faulty body control module (BCM)
- Defective road side assistance switch
- Grounding issues
- Faulty connectors or terminals
Common Troubleshooting Steps
When dealing with an OBD-II code B1216, which indicates a problem with the Emergency & Road Side Assistance Switch Circuit Short to Ground, you can follow these common troubleshooting steps:
- Check the Vehicle’s Manual: Refer to the vehicle’s service manual for specific information regarding the Emergency & Road Side Assistance Switch and its circuit. This will provide you with wiring diagrams and component locations.
- Visual Inspection: Inspect the wiring and connectors associated with the Emergency & Road Side Assistance Switch. Look for signs of damage, such as frayed wires, corrosion, or loose connections.
- Check the switch itself for any physical damage.
- Test the Switch: Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. With the switch in the “off” position, there should be no continuity. When activated, there should be continuity.
- If the switch is faulty, replace it.
- Check for Shorts to Ground: With the multimeter, check for continuity between the switch circuit and ground. If there is continuity when the switch is not activated, there may be a short to ground in the wiring.
- Inspect the wiring harness for any areas where the insulation may be damaged, allowing the wire to contact the vehicle chassis.
- Inspect Related Components: Check any related components that may be part of the circuit, such as relays or fuses. Ensure they are functioning correctly and are not damaged.
- Scan for Additional Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any additional trouble codes that may provide more context or indicate other issues in the system.
- Clear the Code: After performing repairs, clear the trouble code using an OBD-II scanner and take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the code returns.
- Consult a Professional: If the issue persists after performing these steps, it may be necessary to consult a professional mechanic or technician who has experience with your specific vehicle make and model.
- Document Findings: Keep a record of any findings, repairs made, and codes retrieved. This documentation can be helpful for future reference or if you need to seek professional assistance. By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue related to the B1216 code.