WOMS
B code body Medium severity

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

The OBD2 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

Definition

The OBD2 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

Common causes

  • 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 misdiagnoses

  • 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

Troubleshooting steps

  1. 1. Visual Inspection

  2. 2. Check the wiring and connectors associated with the wiper relay and the wiper motor. Look for any signs of damage, fraying, or corrosion

  3. 3. Inspect the relay itself for any physical damage or signs of overheating

  4. 4. Check the Relay

  5. 5. Test the wiper relay by swapping it with a similar relay in the fuse box (if applicable) to see if the problem persists

  6. 6. If you have a multimeter, you can also test the relay for proper operation by checking the resistance across the coil terminals

  7. 7. Inspect the Fuse

  8. 8. Check the fuse related to the wiper system. A blown fuse can sometimes cause issues in the circuit

  9. 9. Test the Circuit

  10. 10. Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the wiper relay coil circuit. Look for any shorts to ground or battery voltage

  11. 11. 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

  12. 12. Check for Shorts

  13. 13. 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

  14. 14. Use the multimeter to check for continuity between the relay coil circuit and the battery positive terminal. A low resistance reading indicates a short

  15. 15. Inspect the Wiper Switch

  16. 16. The wiper switch itself could be faulty. Test the switch for proper operation and continuity in all positions

  17. 17. Check Ground Connections

  18. 18. Ensure that all ground connections related to the wiper system are clean and secure. A poor ground can cause erratic behavior in electrical circuits

  19. 19. Scan for Additional Codes

  20. 20. Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any additional trouble codes that may provide more context or indicate related issues

  21. 21. Consult Wiring Diagrams

  22. 22. Refer to the vehicle’s service manual for wiring diagrams to understand the circuit better and identify any other components that may be involved

  23. 23. Professional Diagnosis

  24. 24. 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