B1361

Code

Other B — Body

Ignition Run/Acc Circuit Short To Battery

Brand: Other

Type: B — Body

Views: UK: 18 EN: 34 RU: 31

AI status

Completed

ready

Completed 100%

Page language: EN

Short to battery on ignition RUN or ACC wiring (pinch, chafe, exposed conductor).
Failed ignition switch or worn contact that is stuck closed.
Stuck or welded accessory/ignition relay contacts.
Aftermarket accessory or improper installation tied to constant battery power.
Corroded or damaged connector or terminal causing unintended continuity to battery.
Faulty body/control module driving RUN/ACC output when it should be off.

Scan for stored DTCs and freeze-frame data; note any related body or BCM codes.
Visually inspect ignition switch, ACC/RUN harness, connectors, and nearby wiring for damage or melted insulation.
Check fuses and accessory/ignition relays for correct operation; swap relays if needed to test.
Measure voltage at RUN and ACC terminals with key OFF, ACC, and RUN positions using a DVOM.
Perform parasitic current draw test with vehicle at rest (key off) to quantify drain.
Disconnect suspected modules/accessories one at a time (or pull ACC fuses) to isolate circuit causing short.

Battery nominal voltage: ~12.2–12.8 V (engine off); charging ~13.5–14.5 V (engine running).
RUN/ACC terminal voltage with key OFF: ~0 V (or near ground); any steady ~11–12 V indicates short/backfeed.
RUN/ACC terminal voltage with key ACC/RUN: ~11–14 V (should follow battery/charging voltage).
Parasitic draw (key off): typical >100 mA indicate significant drain.
Continuity: RUN/ACC to battery positive should be open with key OFF; continuity indicates a short.

Verify the code is current (not historic). Clear code and reproduce conditions to confirm return.
Check battery state and charge if low. A weak battery can complicate tests—use a fully charged battery for diagnostics.
Backprobe the ignition switch RUN and ACC terminals. Measure voltage in all key positions and note any unexpected battery voltage with key OFF.
Inspect harness routing where it passes through the firewall, under dash, and near sharp edges or fasteners; repair chafed insulation or pinched wires.
Remove/replace or swap the ACC and IGN relays to see if the fault follows the relay. Inspect relay sockets for melted terminals.
Disconnect non-essential accessories and aftermarket devices (radio, alarm, remote start) or pull their fuse(s). If the code clears or drain stops, isolate that accessory wiring.
Perform a controlled short-to-power isolation: with a fused test lamp or ammeter, remove fuses one-by-one to find which circuit is feeding battery voltage on RUN/ACC when off.
If wiring checks indicate open/short intermittently, perform wiggle tests while monitoring voltage to reproduce fault; repair/replace damaged harness sections.
If ignition switch tests indicate internal short (voltage present at load side with switch OFF), replace ignition switch per manufacturer procedure.
After repairs, clear codes and re-test vehicle through several key cycles and an overnight parasitic draw test to confirm the issue is resolved.

Damaged wiring harness where it passes through firewall or under dash causing contact with battery feed.
Ignition switch internal contact shorted (common on high-mileage switches).
Accessory relay with welded contacts feeding ACC when key is off.
Aftermarket stereo, alarm, remote start, or hardwired device incorrectly connected to constant 12V feed.
Loose or corroded ground/connector creating backfeed paths to RUN/ACC circuits.