B1642 – Mirror Passenger Left Circuit Short To Ground

The ODBII code B1642 indicates a short circuit in the passenger side left mirror circuit, meaning there is an unintended connection to ground that is affecting the mirror’s operation.

The severity of ODBII code B1642 is generally considered moderate.

Common Causes For: B1641 Mirror Passenger Left Circuit Short To Battery

• Damaged wiring or connectors
• Shorted wires in the mirror circuit
• Faulty mirror motor
• Corroded connectors
• Malfunctioning body control module (BCM)
• Water intrusion in the mirror assembly
• Improper installation or aftermarket modifications

Common misdiagnosis for B1642 Mirror Passenger Left Circuit Short To Ground

• Faulty passenger side mirror
• Damaged wiring harness
• Shorted connector pins
• Malfunctioning body control module (BCM)
• Incorrectly installed aftermarket accessories
• Faulty switch or control module for mirrors
• Grounding issues in the vehicle’s electrical system

Common Troubleshooting Steps

The OBD-II code B1642 indicates a problem with the passenger side mirror circuit, specifically a short to ground in the left mirror circuit. Here are some common troubleshooting steps to diagnose and resolve this issue:

• Visual Inspection: **Wiring and Connectors: Inspect the wiring harness and connectors leading to the passenger side mirror. Look for any signs of damage, fraying, or corrosion.
• **Ground Connections: Check the ground connections for the mirror circuit. Ensure they are clean, tight, and free of corrosion.
• Check for Shorts: **Multimeter Testing: Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the mirror circuit. Disconnect the mirror connector and test the wires for continuity to ground. If you find continuity where there shouldn’t be any, you likely have a short.
• **Inspect for Pinched Wires: Look for any areas where the wiring may be pinched or chafed against metal surfaces, which could cause a short to ground.
• Test the Mirror Assembly: **Functionality Check: If possible, test the passenger side mirror’s functionality. If the mirror is not responding to controls, it may be faulty.
• **Swap Components: If you have access to a similar vehicle, consider swapping the mirror assembly to see if the problem persists.
• Check the Control Module: **Scan for Additional Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any additional trouble codes that may provide more context to the issue.
• **Module Functionality: If the vehicle has a body control module (BCM) or similar, ensure it is functioning correctly. A malfunctioning module can sometimes cause issues with mirror operation.
• Inspect Related Components: **Switches and Controls: Check the mirror control switch for proper operation. A faulty switch can sometimes cause unexpected behavior in the mirror circuit.
• **Fuses: Inspect the fuses related to the mirror circuit. A blown fuse may indicate an underlying issue.
• Repair or Replace: **Repair Wiring: If you find damaged wiring, repair or replace it as necessary.
• **Replace Components: If the mirror assembly or control switch is found to be faulty, replace them.
• Clear Codes and Test Drive: After making repairs, clear the trouble codes 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 best to consult a professional mechanic or an automotive electrician for further diagnosis. By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue related to the B1642 code.