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B codebodyMedium severity

B1980Bulb - Outage Condition Detected

The OBD2 code B1980 indicates that the vehicle's system has detected a malfunction or outage in one of the lighting bulbs, typically related to the exterior lights

Definition

The OBD2 code B1980 indicates that the vehicle's system has detected a malfunction or outage in one of the lighting bulbs, typically related to the exterior lights

Common causes

  • Burnt-out bulb
  • Faulty bulb socket
  • Damaged wiring or connectors
  • Corroded electrical connections
  • Faulty body control module (BCM)
  • Short circuit in the lighting circuit
  • Incorrect bulb type installed
  • Grounding issues

Common misdiagnoses

  • Faulty bulb
  • Bad wiring or connections
  • Defective body control module (BCM)
  • Malfunctioning light switch
  • Grounding issues
  • Incorrect bulb type or wattage
  • Corroded connectors
  • Faulty relay
  • Software issues in the vehicle's computer system
  • Other unrelated electrical faults

Troubleshooting steps

  1. 1.Check for Additional Codes

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

  2. 2.Inspect Bulbs

  3. 3.Visually inspect all exterior bulbs (headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, etc.) for any that are burned out or damaged

  4. 4.Replace any faulty bulbs with the correct type

  5. 5.Check Bulb Sockets and Connectors

  6. 6.Inspect the bulb sockets for corrosion, damage, or poor connections

  7. 7.Clean or repair any corroded or damaged connectors

  8. 8.Examine Wiring

  9. 9.Look for any damaged, frayed, or broken wires in the lighting circuit

  10. 10.Repair or replace any damaged wiring as necessary

  11. 11.Test the Lighting Control Module

  12. 12.If applicable, check the lighting control module for proper operation. This module controls the lighting system and can sometimes fail

  13. 13.Consult the vehicle’s service manual for testing procedures

  14. 14.Check Fuses

  15. 15.Inspect the fuses related to the lighting system. A blown fuse can cause a bulb outage condition

  16. 16.Replace any blown fuses with the correct amperage

  17. 17.Verify Ground Connections

  18. 18.Ensure that all ground connections related to the lighting system are secure and free of corrosion

  19. 19.Clean and tighten any loose ground connections

  20. 20.Perform a System Reset

  21. 21.After addressing any issues, clear the trouble codes using the OBD-II scanner and take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the code returns

  22. 22.Consult Wiring Diagrams

  23. 23.If the issue persists, consult the vehicle’s wiring diagrams to trace the circuit and identify any potential issues not covered in the previous steps

  24. 24.Seek Professional Help

  25. 25.If you are unable to resolve the issue after these steps, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or automotive technician who can perform more in-depth diagnostics. By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the B1980 code