B1838 – Battery Saver Power Relay Circuit Failure

The ODBII code B1838 indicates a failure in the battery saver power relay circuit, which may affect the operation of electrical components that rely on this relay for power management.

The severity of ODBII code B1838 is moderate.

Common Causes For: B1837 Door Unlock Disarm Output Circuit Short To Ground

• Faulty battery saver relay
• Damaged wiring or connectors
• Short circuit in the circuit
• Open circuit in the circuit
• Faulty body control module (BCM)
• Corroded terminals
• Poor ground connection
• Malfunctioning ignition switch

Common misdiagnosis for B1838 Battery Saver Power Relay Circuit Failure

• Faulty battery
• Bad alternator
• Corroded battery terminals
• Wiring issues
• Faulty power relay
• Malfunctioning body control module (BCM)
• Incorrectly installed aftermarket accessories
• Software issues in the vehicle’s computer system

Common Troubleshooting Steps

The OBD-II code B1838 refers to a “Battery Saver Power Relay Circuit Failure.” This code typically indicates an issue with the battery saver relay circuit, which is responsible for controlling power to various electrical components in the vehicle to prevent battery drain. Here are some common troubleshooting steps to diagnose and resolve this issue:

• Check the Battery and Charging System: **Inspect the Battery:** Ensure the battery is in good condition, fully charged, and free of corrosion on terminals.
• **Test the Alternator:** Verify that the alternator is charging the battery properly. A failing alternator can lead to low voltage issues.
• Inspect the Battery Saver Relay: **Locate the Relay:** Find the battery saver relay in the vehicle’s fuse box or relay panel.
• **Visual Inspection:** Check for any signs of damage, corrosion, or burnt contacts.
• **Test the Relay:** Use a multimeter to test the relay for continuity and proper operation. You can also swap it with a similar relay (if available) to see if the issue persists.
• Check Wiring and Connectors: **Inspect Wiring:** Look for damaged, frayed, or shorted wires in the battery saver relay circuit.
• **Check Connectors:** Ensure all connectors are secure and free of corrosion. Clean any corroded connections.
• Examine the Power Distribution: **Check Fuses:** Inspect any related fuses for continuity. Replace any blown fuses.
• **Test Voltage:** Use a multimeter to check for proper voltage at the relay and other components in the circuit.
• Scan for Additional Codes: **Check for Other Codes:** Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any additional trouble codes that may provide more context to the issue.
• **Clear Codes:** After performing repairs, clear the codes and see if B1838 returns.
• Inspect Related Components: **Check for Ground Issues:** Ensure that all ground connections related to the battery saver circuit are secure and free of corrosion.
• **Look for Other Malfunctions:** Sometimes, other components controlled by the battery saver relay may be malfunctioning, leading to this code.
• Consult Wiring Diagrams: **Refer to Service Manual:** Use the vehicle’s service manual to understand the wiring diagram for the battery saver relay circuit. This can help identify any specific components that may be causing the issue.
• Professional Diagnosis: If the issue persists after performing the above steps, consider seeking help from a professional mechanic or technician who can perform more advanced diagnostics. By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue related to the B1838 code. Always ensure safety precautions are taken when working on electrical systems in vehicles.