Home / DTC / B1433 — Wiper intermittent relay short to ground

B1433 — Wiper intermittent relay short to ground

Detailed page for trouble code B1433.

34,405codes
59brands
11,914generic
22,491specific
Reset
Code

B1433

ALFA ROMEO B — Body

Wiper intermittent relay short to ground

Brand: ALFA ROMEO
Type: B — Body
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Damaged or chafed wiring in the wiper relay/control circuit
  • Short to ground at connector or wiring harness
  • Failed or internally shorted wiper intermittent relay
  • Corroded or water-damaged connectors or switch assemblies
  • Poor ground or chassis short caused by aftermarket accessories
  • Faulty Body/Body Control Module (BCM) or related driver output

Symptoms

  • Intermittent wiper function inoperative or stuck in park/one speed
  • Wipers operate erratically (constant wipe, stop/start)
  • Related fuse(s) blow repeatedly
  • DTC B1433 stored and possibly other body/wiper related codes
  • No response from intermittent setting on stalk/switch

What to check

  • Visual inspection of wiring, connectors, relay socket and wiper motor area for damage, corrosion or water ingress
  • Check relevant fuse(s) for continuity and signs of blowing
  • Use a scan tool to read stored codes and live data for wiper/BCM outputs
  • Back-probe relay control and supply pins with ignition on and wipers operated to observe voltages
  • Measure coil resistance of relay (with relay removed) and check for near-short to ground on control circuit with power off
  • Wiggle test harness and connectors while observing operation or data to reproduce intermittent faults

Signal parameters

  • Battery supply voltage at relay supply pin: approx. 11–14.5 V with engine on or key on
  • Control/drive signal from BCM: either 0 V (ground-switched) or switched 12 V depending on design; check service manual for exact polarity
  • Relay coil resistance (typical range): approx. 50–200 Ω for small automotive relays (measure removed relay and compare to spec)
  • Short-to-ground condition: near 0 Ω between control conductor and chassis ground (with power removed)
  • Open-circuit condition: very high resistance/infinite between control conductor and relay coil

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Record codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool. Note conditions when code set.
  2. Visually inspect relay, relay socket, wiring harness, connectors and grounds around the cowl, wiper motor and BCM for damage or moisture.
  3. Check related fuses; replace if blown and observe if fuse immediately blows again.
  4. With ignition OFF, disconnect the wiper intermittent relay. Measure resistance from the wiper relay control wire to chassis ground. A near-zero reading indicates a short to ground.
  5. Remove the relay and measure coil resistance on the relay itself. Compare to manufacturer spec; a very low reading suggests internal short.
  6. With ignition ON, back-probe the relay control and supply pins while operating the wipers/interval switch. Verify proper supply voltage and that the control output toggles as expected (refer to service manual for expected behavior).
  7. If control wire is shorted to ground, isolate sections of the harness (disconnect connectors in-line) and repeat resistance checks to localize the shorted segment.
  8. Repair any damaged wiring, replace corroded connectors, apply dielectric if water ingress noted, and replace the wiper intermittent relay if faulty.
  9. If wiring and relay check good, test BCM output by commanding the relay output with a scan tool while monitoring voltage; if BCM output is shorted, inspect BCM grounds and update/replace BCM per manufacturer procedures.
  10. Clear codes and road-test to verify repair. Re-scan to confirm code does not return.

Likely causes

  • Shorted conductor between the relay output/control pin and chassis ground (pin chafed against body)
  • Intermittent relay coil or internal electronics shorted to ground
  • Corroded connector at wiper relay or wiper motor harness allowing low-resistance path to ground
  • Water ingress at wiper switch, relay socket, or near the cowl causing short
  • BCM driver output failed and pulling the circuit to ground

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Wiper intermittent relay control circuit — short to ground detected by Body Control Module.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours

Similar codes

89

Browse 89 ALFA ROMEO manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.

Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Send to email
Code

B1433

FIAT B — Body

Wiper intermittent relay short to ground

Brand: FIAT
Type: B — Body
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Damaged or chafed wiring in the wiper relay/control circuit
  • Short to ground at connector or wiring harness
  • Failed or internally shorted wiper intermittent relay
  • Corroded or water-damaged connectors or switch assemblies
  • Poor ground or chassis short caused by aftermarket accessories
  • Faulty Body/Body Control Module (BCM) or related driver output

Symptoms

  • Intermittent wiper function inoperative or stuck in park/one speed
  • Wipers operate erratically (constant wipe, stop/start)
  • Related fuse(s) blow repeatedly
  • DTC B1433 stored and possibly other body/wiper related codes
  • No response from intermittent setting on stalk/switch

What to check

  • Visual inspection of wiring, connectors, relay socket and wiper motor area for damage, corrosion or water ingress
  • Check relevant fuse(s) for continuity and signs of blowing
  • Use a scan tool to read stored codes and live data for wiper/BCM outputs
  • Back-probe relay control and supply pins with ignition on and wipers operated to observe voltages
  • Measure coil resistance of relay (with relay removed) and check for near-short to ground on control circuit with power off
  • Wiggle test harness and connectors while observing operation or data to reproduce intermittent faults

Signal parameters

  • Battery supply voltage at relay supply pin: approx. 11–14.5 V with engine on or key on
  • Control/drive signal from BCM: either 0 V (ground-switched) or switched 12 V depending on design; check service manual for exact polarity
  • Relay coil resistance (typical range): approx. 50–200 Ω for small automotive relays (measure removed relay and compare to spec)
  • Short-to-ground condition: near 0 Ω between control conductor and chassis ground (with power removed)
  • Open-circuit condition: very high resistance/infinite between control conductor and relay coil

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Record codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool. Note conditions when code set.
  2. Visually inspect relay, relay socket, wiring harness, connectors and grounds around the cowl, wiper motor and BCM for damage or moisture.
  3. Check related fuses; replace if blown and observe if fuse immediately blows again.
  4. With ignition OFF, disconnect the wiper intermittent relay. Measure resistance from the wiper relay control wire to chassis ground. A near-zero reading indicates a short to ground.
  5. Remove the relay and measure coil resistance on the relay itself. Compare to manufacturer spec; a very low reading suggests internal short.
  6. With ignition ON, back-probe the relay control and supply pins while operating the wipers/interval switch. Verify proper supply voltage and that the control output toggles as expected (refer to service manual for expected behavior).
  7. If control wire is shorted to ground, isolate sections of the harness (disconnect connectors in-line) and repeat resistance checks to localize the shorted segment.
  8. Repair any damaged wiring, replace corroded connectors, apply dielectric if water ingress noted, and replace the wiper intermittent relay if faulty.
  9. If wiring and relay check good, test BCM output by commanding the relay output with a scan tool while monitoring voltage; if BCM output is shorted, inspect BCM grounds and update/replace BCM per manufacturer procedures.
  10. Clear codes and road-test to verify repair. Re-scan to confirm code does not return.

Likely causes

  • Shorted conductor between the relay output/control pin and chassis ground (pin chafed against body)
  • Intermittent relay coil or internal electronics shorted to ground
  • Corroded connector at wiper relay or wiper motor harness allowing low-resistance path to ground
  • Water ingress at wiper switch, relay socket, or near the cowl causing short
  • BCM driver output failed and pulling the circuit to ground

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Wiper intermittent relay control circuit — short to ground detected by Body Control Module.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours

Similar codes

Repair manuals

Manual library for FIAT

26

Browse 26 FIAT manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.

Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Send to email
Code

B1433

LAND ROVER B — Body

Brake circuit / wiper circuit - short circuit to earth

Brand: LAND ROVER
Type: B — Body
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Damaged or chafed wiring in the wiper relay/control circuit
  • Short to ground at connector or wiring harness
  • Failed or internally shorted wiper intermittent relay
  • Corroded or water-damaged connectors or switch assemblies
  • Poor ground or chassis short caused by aftermarket accessories
  • Faulty Body/Body Control Module (BCM) or related driver output

Symptoms

  • Intermittent wiper function inoperative or stuck in park/one speed
  • Wipers operate erratically (constant wipe, stop/start)
  • Related fuse(s) blow repeatedly
  • DTC B1433 stored and possibly other body/wiper related codes
  • No response from intermittent setting on stalk/switch

What to check

  • Visual inspection of wiring, connectors, relay socket and wiper motor area for damage, corrosion or water ingress
  • Check relevant fuse(s) for continuity and signs of blowing
  • Use a scan tool to read stored codes and live data for wiper/BCM outputs
  • Back-probe relay control and supply pins with ignition on and wipers operated to observe voltages
  • Measure coil resistance of relay (with relay removed) and check for near-short to ground on control circuit with power off
  • Wiggle test harness and connectors while observing operation or data to reproduce intermittent faults

Signal parameters

  • Battery supply voltage at relay supply pin: approx. 11–14.5 V with engine on or key on
  • Control/drive signal from BCM: either 0 V (ground-switched) or switched 12 V depending on design; check service manual for exact polarity
  • Relay coil resistance (typical range): approx. 50–200 Ω for small automotive relays (measure removed relay and compare to spec)
  • Short-to-ground condition: near 0 Ω between control conductor and chassis ground (with power removed)
  • Open-circuit condition: very high resistance/infinite between control conductor and relay coil

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Record codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool. Note conditions when code set.
  2. Visually inspect relay, relay socket, wiring harness, connectors and grounds around the cowl, wiper motor and BCM for damage or moisture.
  3. Check related fuses; replace if blown and observe if fuse immediately blows again.
  4. With ignition OFF, disconnect the wiper intermittent relay. Measure resistance from the wiper relay control wire to chassis ground. A near-zero reading indicates a short to ground.
  5. Remove the relay and measure coil resistance on the relay itself. Compare to manufacturer spec; a very low reading suggests internal short.
  6. With ignition ON, back-probe the relay control and supply pins while operating the wipers/interval switch. Verify proper supply voltage and that the control output toggles as expected (refer to service manual for expected behavior).
  7. If control wire is shorted to ground, isolate sections of the harness (disconnect connectors in-line) and repeat resistance checks to localize the shorted segment.
  8. Repair any damaged wiring, replace corroded connectors, apply dielectric if water ingress noted, and replace the wiper intermittent relay if faulty.
  9. If wiring and relay check good, test BCM output by commanding the relay output with a scan tool while monitoring voltage; if BCM output is shorted, inspect BCM grounds and update/replace BCM per manufacturer procedures.
  10. Clear codes and road-test to verify repair. Re-scan to confirm code does not return.

Likely causes

  • Shorted conductor between the relay output/control pin and chassis ground (pin chafed against body)
  • Intermittent relay coil or internal electronics shorted to ground
  • Corroded connector at wiper relay or wiper motor harness allowing low-resistance path to ground
  • Water ingress at wiper switch, relay socket, or near the cowl causing short
  • BCM driver output failed and pulling the circuit to ground

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Wiper intermittent relay control circuit — short to ground detected by Body Control Module.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours

Similar codes

348

Browse 348 LAND ROVER manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.

LAND ROVER

Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Send to email
Code

B1433

MITSUBISHI B — Body

FL side ABG squib short to BATT

Brand: MITSUBISHI
Type: B — Body
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Damaged or chafed wiring in the wiper relay/control circuit
  • Short to ground at connector or wiring harness
  • Failed or internally shorted wiper intermittent relay
  • Corroded or water-damaged connectors or switch assemblies
  • Poor ground or chassis short caused by aftermarket accessories
  • Faulty Body/Body Control Module (BCM) or related driver output

Symptoms

  • Intermittent wiper function inoperative or stuck in park/one speed
  • Wipers operate erratically (constant wipe, stop/start)
  • Related fuse(s) blow repeatedly
  • DTC B1433 stored and possibly other body/wiper related codes
  • No response from intermittent setting on stalk/switch

What to check

  • Visual inspection of wiring, connectors, relay socket and wiper motor area for damage, corrosion or water ingress
  • Check relevant fuse(s) for continuity and signs of blowing
  • Use a scan tool to read stored codes and live data for wiper/BCM outputs
  • Back-probe relay control and supply pins with ignition on and wipers operated to observe voltages
  • Measure coil resistance of relay (with relay removed) and check for near-short to ground on control circuit with power off
  • Wiggle test harness and connectors while observing operation or data to reproduce intermittent faults

Signal parameters

  • Battery supply voltage at relay supply pin: approx. 11–14.5 V with engine on or key on
  • Control/drive signal from BCM: either 0 V (ground-switched) or switched 12 V depending on design; check service manual for exact polarity
  • Relay coil resistance (typical range): approx. 50–200 Ω for small automotive relays (measure removed relay and compare to spec)
  • Short-to-ground condition: near 0 Ω between control conductor and chassis ground (with power removed)
  • Open-circuit condition: very high resistance/infinite between control conductor and relay coil

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Record codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool. Note conditions when code set.
  2. Visually inspect relay, relay socket, wiring harness, connectors and grounds around the cowl, wiper motor and BCM for damage or moisture.
  3. Check related fuses; replace if blown and observe if fuse immediately blows again.
  4. With ignition OFF, disconnect the wiper intermittent relay. Measure resistance from the wiper relay control wire to chassis ground. A near-zero reading indicates a short to ground.
  5. Remove the relay and measure coil resistance on the relay itself. Compare to manufacturer spec; a very low reading suggests internal short.
  6. With ignition ON, back-probe the relay control and supply pins while operating the wipers/interval switch. Verify proper supply voltage and that the control output toggles as expected (refer to service manual for expected behavior).
  7. If control wire is shorted to ground, isolate sections of the harness (disconnect connectors in-line) and repeat resistance checks to localize the shorted segment.
  8. Repair any damaged wiring, replace corroded connectors, apply dielectric if water ingress noted, and replace the wiper intermittent relay if faulty.
  9. If wiring and relay check good, test BCM output by commanding the relay output with a scan tool while monitoring voltage; if BCM output is shorted, inspect BCM grounds and update/replace BCM per manufacturer procedures.
  10. Clear codes and road-test to verify repair. Re-scan to confirm code does not return.

Likely causes

  • Shorted conductor between the relay output/control pin and chassis ground (pin chafed against body)
  • Intermittent relay coil or internal electronics shorted to ground
  • Corroded connector at wiper relay or wiper motor harness allowing low-resistance path to ground
  • Water ingress at wiper switch, relay socket, or near the cowl causing short
  • BCM driver output failed and pulling the circuit to ground

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Wiper intermittent relay control circuit — short to ground detected by Body Control Module.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours

Similar codes

406

Browse 406 MITSUBISHI manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.

MITSUBISHI

Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Send to email
Code

B1433

Other B — Body

Wiper Brake/Run Relay Circuit Short To Ground

Brand: Other
Type: B — Body
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Damaged or chafed wiring in the wiper relay/control circuit
  • Short to ground at connector or wiring harness
  • Failed or internally shorted wiper intermittent relay
  • Corroded or water-damaged connectors or switch assemblies
  • Poor ground or chassis short caused by aftermarket accessories
  • Faulty Body/Body Control Module (BCM) or related driver output

Symptoms

  • Intermittent wiper function inoperative or stuck in park/one speed
  • Wipers operate erratically (constant wipe, stop/start)
  • Related fuse(s) blow repeatedly
  • DTC B1433 stored and possibly other body/wiper related codes
  • No response from intermittent setting on stalk/switch

What to check

  • Visual inspection of wiring, connectors, relay socket and wiper motor area for damage, corrosion or water ingress
  • Check relevant fuse(s) for continuity and signs of blowing
  • Use a scan tool to read stored codes and live data for wiper/BCM outputs
  • Back-probe relay control and supply pins with ignition on and wipers operated to observe voltages
  • Measure coil resistance of relay (with relay removed) and check for near-short to ground on control circuit with power off
  • Wiggle test harness and connectors while observing operation or data to reproduce intermittent faults

Signal parameters

  • Battery supply voltage at relay supply pin: approx. 11–14.5 V with engine on or key on
  • Control/drive signal from BCM: either 0 V (ground-switched) or switched 12 V depending on design; check service manual for exact polarity
  • Relay coil resistance (typical range): approx. 50–200 Ω for small automotive relays (measure removed relay and compare to spec)
  • Short-to-ground condition: near 0 Ω between control conductor and chassis ground (with power removed)
  • Open-circuit condition: very high resistance/infinite between control conductor and relay coil

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Record codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool. Note conditions when code set.
  2. Visually inspect relay, relay socket, wiring harness, connectors and grounds around the cowl, wiper motor and BCM for damage or moisture.
  3. Check related fuses; replace if blown and observe if fuse immediately blows again.
  4. With ignition OFF, disconnect the wiper intermittent relay. Measure resistance from the wiper relay control wire to chassis ground. A near-zero reading indicates a short to ground.
  5. Remove the relay and measure coil resistance on the relay itself. Compare to manufacturer spec; a very low reading suggests internal short.
  6. With ignition ON, back-probe the relay control and supply pins while operating the wipers/interval switch. Verify proper supply voltage and that the control output toggles as expected (refer to service manual for expected behavior).
  7. If control wire is shorted to ground, isolate sections of the harness (disconnect connectors in-line) and repeat resistance checks to localize the shorted segment.
  8. Repair any damaged wiring, replace corroded connectors, apply dielectric if water ingress noted, and replace the wiper intermittent relay if faulty.
  9. If wiring and relay check good, test BCM output by commanding the relay output with a scan tool while monitoring voltage; if BCM output is shorted, inspect BCM grounds and update/replace BCM per manufacturer procedures.
  10. Clear codes and road-test to verify repair. Re-scan to confirm code does not return.

Likely causes

  • Shorted conductor between the relay output/control pin and chassis ground (pin chafed against body)
  • Intermittent relay coil or internal electronics shorted to ground
  • Corroded connector at wiper relay or wiper motor harness allowing low-resistance path to ground
  • Water ingress at wiper switch, relay socket, or near the cowl causing short
  • BCM driver output failed and pulling the circuit to ground

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Wiper intermittent relay control circuit — short to ground detected by Body Control Module.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours

Similar codes

9,599

The library contains 9,599 repair and diagnostic manuals. Choose a brand to open the full manual tree by year, model and trim.

Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Send to email