B1843 – Wiper Front Power Circuit Short To Ground

The ODBII code B1843 indicates a malfunction in the front wiper power circuit, specifically a short to ground condition, which means there is an unintended connection to the ground in the wiper motor circuit.

The severity of ODBII code B1843 is moderate.

Common Causes For: B1842 Wiper Front Power Circuit Short To Battery

• Damaged wiring or connectors in the wiper circuit.
• Shorted wiper motor.
• Faulty wiper switch.
• Corroded or loose connections.
• Water intrusion in the electrical components.
• Malfunctioning relay.

Common misdiagnosis for B1843 Wiper Front Power Circuit Short To Ground

• Faulty wiper motor
• Damaged wiring harness
• Bad wiper switch
• Defective relay
• Shorted circuit in the steering column
• Malfunctioning body control module (BCM)
• Incorrectly installed or damaged fuses

Common Troubleshooting Steps

The OBD-II code B1843 indicates a problem with the front wiper power circuit, specifically a short to ground. Here are some common troubleshooting steps to diagnose and resolve this issue:

• Visual Inspection:
• Check the wiring and connectors related to the front wiper motor and circuit. Look for any signs of damage, fraying, or corrosion.
• Inspect the wiper motor itself for any physical damage or signs of water intrusion.
• Check Fuses:
• Locate the fuse for the wiper system in the fuse box and check if it is blown. If it is, replace it and see if the code returns.
• Test the Wiper Motor:
• Disconnect the wiper motor connector and use a multimeter to check for continuity between the motor terminals and ground. If there is continuity when the motor is disconnected, it indicates a short to ground within the motor.
• Check Wiring Harness:
• Trace the wiring harness from the wiper motor back to the main connector. Look for any pinched, frayed, or damaged wires that could be causing a short to ground.
• Inspect Ground Connections:
• Ensure that all ground connections related to the wiper system are clean and secure. A poor ground connection can sometimes cause issues that mimic a short to ground.
• Test the Wiper Switch:
• The wiper switch can also be a source of problems. Test the switch for proper operation and check for any shorts in the switch itself.
• 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.
• Check for Water Intrusion:
• Inspect the area around the wiper motor for any signs of water intrusion, which can cause electrical shorts. Ensure that the cowl area is clear of debris and that the drainage is functioning properly.
• Perform a Voltage Drop Test:
• With the wiper motor connected, perform a voltage drop test to ensure that the motor is receiving the correct voltage. If the voltage is low, it may indicate a problem in the circuit.
• Replace Components if Necessary:
• If you identify a faulty wiper motor, switch, or wiring, replace the defective component and clear the code to see if it returns. 1
• Consult Wiring Diagrams:
• If the issue persists, consult the vehicle’s wiring diagrams to trace the circuit and identify any other potential issues. 1
• Professional Diagnosis:
• If you are unable to resolve the issue after these steps, consider seeking help from a professional mechanic who can perform more advanced diagnostics. By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the B1843 code.