WOMS
B code body Medium severity

B2179 Front Wiper Select Switch "A" Short to Ground

The OBD2 code B2179 indicates a malfunction in the front wiper select switch "A," specifically that there is a short circuit to ground in the switch's electrical circuit

Definition

The OBD2 code B2179 indicates a malfunction in the front wiper select switch "A," specifically that there is a short circuit to ground in the switch's electrical circuit

Common causes

  • Faulty front wiper select switch
  • Damaged wiring or connectors
  • Short circuit in the wiring harness
  • Corroded terminals
  • Water intrusion or moisture in the switch or connectors
  • Malfunctioning body control module (BCM)

Common misdiagnoses

  • Faulty wiper motor
  • Defective wiper relay
  • Damaged wiring harness
  • Malfunctioning body control module (BCM)
  • Incorrectly installed or faulty wiper switch
  • Grounding issues unrelated to the switch
  • Faulty fuse or circuit breaker
  • Corroded connectors or terminals

Troubleshooting steps

  1. 1. Understand the Code

    B2179 typically indicates that the vehicle's control module has detected a short circuit in the front wiper select switch circuit. This could be due to a wiring issue, a faulty switch, or a problem with the control module itself

  2. 2. Visual Inspection

    Check Wiring and Connectors: Inspect the wiring harness and connectors associated with the front wiper switch. Look for frayed wires, corrosion, or loose connections

  3. 3. Inspect the Wiper Switch

    Check the physical condition of the wiper select switch for any signs of damage or wear

  4. 4. Test the Wiper Switch

    Multimeter Testing: Use a multimeter to test the resistance and continuity of the wiper switch. Ensure that it operates correctly in all positions

  5. 5. Check for Shorts

    With the multimeter, check for continuity between the switch terminals and ground. A short to ground will show continuity where it shouldn't

  6. 6. Check for Ground Issues

    Ground Points: Verify that the ground points related to the wiper system are clean and secure. A poor ground connection can cause false readings and shorts

  7. 7. Test Ground Circuit

    Use a multimeter to check the ground circuit for continuity and proper voltage

  8. 8. Inspect the Control Module

    Check for Faulty Module: If the switch and wiring are in good condition, the issue may lie within the control module itself. Check for any signs of damage or corrosion

  9. 9. Reprogram or Reset

    In some cases, reprogramming or resetting the control module may resolve the issue

  10. 10. 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

  11. 11. Perform a Wiggle Test

    While monitoring the circuit with a multimeter, gently wiggle the wiring harness and connectors to see if the readings change. This can help identify intermittent shorts or bad connections

  12. 12. Consult Wiring Diagrams

    Refer to the vehicle’s wiring diagrams to understand the circuit layout and identify any other components that may be involved in the wiper system

  13. 13. Replace Faulty Components

    If you identify a faulty wiper switch, wiring, or control module, replace the defective component and clear the codes

  14. 14. Test the System

    After repairs, reconnect everything, clear the codes, and test the wiper system to ensure it operates correctly.1

  15. 15. Professional Help

    If the issue persists after following these steps, consider seeking help from a professional mechanic or automotive technician who has experience with electrical systems. By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue related to the B2179 code