Code
B1241
FIAT
B — Body
Rear washer system pump relay short to positive
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Short to battery positive on the relay control or pump supply circuit
- Failed or welded relay contacts
- Damaged/shorted wiring harness or chafed insulation contacting +12V
- Corroded or water-damaged connector at the relay, pump or BCM
- Faulty body control module (BCM) output driver
- Aftermarket accessory or incorrect repair that tied circuit to +12V
Symptoms
- Rear washer pump runs continuously or unexpectedly
- Washer pump does not operate and DTC stored (if BCM detects fault)
- Blown/recurring fuse for washer circuit
- Battery drain when vehicle is off
- Relay or wiring hot to the touch near the fault location
- Warning lamp or Info message on dash (vehicle-dependent)
What to check
- Read and record all stored codes and freeze frame data with a compatible scanner
- Visual inspection of relay, relay socket, wiring harness, and rear washer pump connector for damage, corrosion or water ingress
- Check relevant fuse(s) for continuity and signs of overheating
- With ignition off, disconnect rear washer pump relay and inspect pins/terminals
- Measure voltage at relay supply and control terminals with respect to ground
- Swap relay with known-good same-type relay if available (only for testing)
Signal parameters
- Supply terminal (relay common): battery voltage ≈ 12–14.5 V with ignition on
- Control terminal (BCM/driver): normally low or open when inactive; should not be +12V when OFF
- Relay coil resistance (typical automotive relay): roughly 50–200 Ω (varies by relay type)
- Pump current draw (approx range): a few amps when running — check factory data for exact value
- When relay removed, control circuit should not show solid +12V to ground (indicates short to B+)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Read DTCs and relevant vehicle-specific data. Note whether fault is permanent or intermittent.
- Visually inspect relay, relay socket, harness and rear pump connector for damage, corrosion or water intrusion.
- Check fuse(s) for the washer pump circuit for correct rating and continuity.
- With ignition OFF, remove the rear washer pump relay. Inspect relay pins and socket for corrosion or melted plastic.
- With relay removed, measure resistance between the relay control pin and battery positive. A near-zero reading indicates a short to +12V.
- With ignition ON, measure voltage at the relay supply terminal (should be battery voltage) and at the control terminal. The control terminal should not be a steady +12V when control is inactive — if it is, trace wiring for short to B+ or suspect BCM output.
- Disconnect the rear washer pump connector. Check continuity between pump positive and chassis ground; check for shorts to permanent +12V. If pump is internally shorted, it may show low resistance to +12V.
- Wiggle harness and connectors while monitoring voltage and continuity to replicate intermittent shorts.
- If wiring and pump appear OK, swap relay with identical known-good unit to rule out relay internal short.
- If the control output is still at +12V with relay removed and known-good relay, consult wiring diagram and test/repair wiring or replace/repair BCM output stage as per manufacturer procedures.
- After repair, clear codes and verify proper operation through several cycles and vehicle off/on transitions.
Likely causes
- Relay internal short or contacts welded closed
- Pinched or chafed wire touching a +12V feed near rear washer pump or relay
- Corroded connector causing unintended continuity to +12V
- Failed BCM transistor driving the relay (less common)
- Pump motor internal fault creating abnormal wiring behavior
Fault status
Status
B1241 — Rear washer pump relay circuit shorted to positive (B+).
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-1.5 hours
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