B1436 – Wiper Hi/Low Speed Relay Coil Circuit Short To Battery

The ODBII code B1436 indicates a short circuit in the wiper hi/low speed relay coil circuit, causing it to be continuously connected to the battery, which can lead to malfunctioning wiper operation.

The severity of ODBII code B1436 is moderate.

Common Causes For: B1435 Wiper Hi/Low Speed Relay Coil Circuit Open

• Shorted wiring or connectors in the wiper relay circuit.
• Faulty wiper relay.
• Damaged or corroded ground connections.
• Malfunctioning wiper switch.
• Water intrusion or moisture in electrical components.
• Faulty body control module (BCM) or engine control module (ECM).

Common misdiagnosis for B1436 Wiper Hi/Low Speed Relay Coil Circuit Short To Battery

• Faulty wiper motor
• Bad wiper switch
• Damaged wiring or connectors
• Malfunctioning body control module (BCM)
• Incorrectly installed or defective relay
• Grounding issues
• Faulty fuse or circuit breaker

Common Troubleshooting Steps

The OBD-II code B1436 indicates a problem with the wiper hi/low speed relay coil circuit, specifically a short to battery. Here are some common troubleshooting steps to diagnose and potentially resolve this issue:

• Visual Inspection:
• Check the wiring and connectors associated with the wiper relay and the wiper motor. Look for any signs of damage, fraying, or corrosion.
• Inspect the relay itself for any physical damage or signs of overheating.
• Check the Relay:
• Test the wiper relay by swapping it with a similar relay in the fuse box (if applicable) to see if the problem persists.
• If you have a multimeter, you can also test the relay for proper operation by checking the resistance across the coil terminals.
• Inspect the Fuse:
• Check the fuse related to the wiper system. A blown fuse can sometimes cause issues in the circuit.
• Test the Circuit:
• Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the wiper relay coil circuit. Look for any shorts to ground or battery voltage.
• Measure the voltage at the relay connector with the ignition on and the wiper switch in different positions (off, low, high) to see if the correct voltage is present.
• Check for Shorts:
• Inspect the wiring harness for any signs of wear or damage that could cause a short circuit. Pay special attention to areas where the wiring may rub against metal surfaces.
• Use the multimeter to check for continuity between the relay coil circuit and the battery positive terminal. A low resistance reading indicates a short.
• Inspect the Wiper Switch:
• The wiper switch itself could be faulty. Test the switch for proper operation and continuity in all positions.
• Check Ground Connections:
• Ensure that all ground connections related to the wiper system are clean and secure. A poor ground can cause erratic behavior in electrical circuits.
• Scan for Additional Codes:
• Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any additional trouble codes that may provide more context or indicate related issues.
• Consult Wiring Diagrams:
• Refer to the vehicle’s service manual for wiring diagrams to understand the circuit better and identify any other components that may be involved.
• Professional Diagnosis:
• If the issue persists after performing these steps, consider seeking help from a professional mechanic or automotive technician who can perform more advanced diagnostics. By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the B1436 code and take appropriate action to resolve the issue.