Code
B1433
FIAT
B — Body
Wiper intermittent relay short to ground
Views:
UK: 16
EN: 29
RU: 15
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged or chafed wiring in the wiper intermittent relay circuit
- Corroded, loose or damaged relay connector or terminal
- Failed intermittent relay (internal short)
- Short to ground at the wiper switch, BCM, or relay harness splice
- Wet or corroded connector or motor/relay body contacting ground
- Body Control Module (BCM) or relay driver output fault
Symptoms
- Wiper intermittent mode not working (stuck in off/low/high or inoperative)
- Wipers run continuously or do not operate in intermittent setting
- Possible blown fuse for wiper circuit
- Fault stored in BCM and possible related message/warning on dash
What to check
- Retrieve and record freeze-frame or freeze-data and complete DTC list from BCM or body control module
- Visually inspect wiper relay, relay socket and wiring harness for damage, corrosion or pin push-out
- Check for blown fuses related to wipers/intermittent circuit
- Back-probe relay control and supply pins with ignition ON and wipers in various modes
- Inspect connector seals and grommets where harness passes through firewall or under cowl for chafing or water intrusion
Signal parameters
- Battery supply to wiper relay: ~12 V (approx. 11–14 V) when ignition ON
- Relay control (BCM output): normally 0 V (ground) to switch relay coil depending on design OR pulses to energize coil — expected signal per wiring diagram
- Short detection: control pin should not be hard-grounded when relay not commanded; 0.1–0.3 Ω indicates a direct short to ground
- Coil resistance (typical relay): ~20–100 Ω (refer to OEM spec)
- Open-circuit threshold: infinite/very high resistance; short threshold:
Diagnostic algorithm
- Obtain vehicle wiring diagram and identify relay, relay socket pins, BCM driver pin and fuses for the intermittent wiper circuit.
- Verify DTC and any related codes. Clear codes and attempt to re-create fault to verify persistence.
- Visually inspect relay, relay socket and harness for obvious damage, corrosion or water entry. Repair visible damage before further testing.
- With ignition OFF, disconnect wiper intermittent relay. Inspect relay socket terminals for corrosion, pushed pins or evidence of shorting.
- Using a digital multimeter (DMM), measure continuity between the relay control pin in the harness and chassis ground with ignition OFF. A near-zero resistance indicates a short to ground — note that BCM driver configuration may require BCM powered for accurate checks (consult service manual).
- With relay removed and ignition ON (or as specified by service manual), back-probe the control output at the wiring harness and cycle wiper modes. Confirm whether the BCM output is being driven and whether it is stuck low. Expected behavior and voltages per wiring diagram.
- Measure battery 12 V supply and ground at the relay socket to ensure proper supply and that only the control pin is affected.
- Swap in a known good OE relay (if available) and check for fault clearing and proper function. Do not use high-current aftermarket substitutes without verifying specs.
- If short is confirmed at harness side, isolate sections by disconnecting connectors along the circuit and rechecking continuity to ground to locate the shorted segment.
- If wiring and connectors are OK, test the BCM output pin for internal short (consult OEM procedures). If BCM driver is shorted, replacement or module repair by authorized service is required.
- After repairs, clear codes and road-test to verify the intermittent function and ensure code does not return.
Likely causes
- Wiring abrasion where harness passes through firewall or near hinge areas
- Relay connector pins pushed back, bent or corroded allowing contact to ground
- Intermittent relay internally failed and shorting coil to ground
- Water ingress at connector or relay housing causing conductive path to ground
- Aftermarket accessory or improper previous repair causing damaged insulation or pin mis-wiring
Fault status
Status
Wiper intermittent relay circuit short to ground detected. Intermittent wiper function may be disabled.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours
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