B1980: Bulb - Outage Condition Detected

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. 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. Inspect Bulbs
3. Visually inspect all exterior bulbs (headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, etc.) for any that are burned out or damaged
4. Replace any faulty bulbs with the correct type
5. Check Bulb Sockets and Connectors
6. Inspect the bulb sockets for corrosion, damage, or poor connections
7. Clean or repair any corroded or damaged connectors
8. Examine Wiring
9. Look for any damaged, frayed, or broken wires in the lighting circuit
10. Repair or replace any damaged wiring as necessary
11. Test the Lighting Control Module
12. If applicable, check the lighting control module for proper operation. This module controls the lighting system and can sometimes fail
13. Consult the vehicle’s service manual for testing procedures
14. Check Fuses
15. Inspect the fuses related to the lighting system. A blown fuse can cause a bulb outage condition
16. Replace any blown fuses with the correct amperage
17. Verify Ground Connections
18. Ensure that all ground connections related to the lighting system are secure and free of corrosion
19. Clean and tighten any loose ground connections
20. Perform a System Reset
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. Consult Wiring Diagrams
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. Seek Professional Help
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

Definition

Common causes

Common misdiagnoses

Troubleshooting steps

1. Check for Additional Codes

2. Inspect Bulbs

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

4. Replace any faulty bulbs with the correct type

5. Check Bulb Sockets and Connectors

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

7. Clean or repair any corroded or damaged connectors

8. Examine Wiring

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

10. Repair or replace any damaged wiring as necessary

11. Test the Lighting Control Module

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

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

14. Check Fuses

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

16. Replace any blown fuses with the correct amperage

17. Verify Ground Connections

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

19. Clean and tighten any loose ground connections

20. Perform a System Reset

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. Consult Wiring Diagrams

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. Seek Professional Help

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