B1613

Code

Other B — Body

Wiper Rear Mode Select Switch Circuit Short To Battery

Brand: Other

Type: B — Body

Views: UK: 24 EN: 34 RU: 31

AI status

Completed

ready

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Page language: EN

Causes

Damaged wiring insulation with conductor contacting battery positive or another fused hot circuit
Corroded or pushed-pin connector creating a backfeed from a hot circuit
Failed rear wiper mode/select switch with internal short
Faulty body control module (BCM) or input driver transistor shorted to battery
Incorrect previous repair or aftermarket accessory wired into the circuit
Blown or shorted relay or fused feed supplying the switch

Symptoms

Rear wiper stuck on, runs continuously or in wrong mode
Rear wiper does not respond to switch or cycles incorrectly
Blown fuse for wiper circuit
Battery drain with ignition off (in some cases)
DTC B1613 stored and possibly lamp/message on instrument cluster

What to check

Scan tool: read freeze frame, pending/confirmed status, and live data for rear wiper switch input
Visual inspection of wiring and connectors at rear wiper switch, BCM, and along harness (look for chafe, corrosion, pinched areas)
Check related fuses and relays for correct rating and condition
Measure voltage at the switch connector/backprobe terminals with ignition ON and various switch positions
Disconnect the rear wiper mode switch and see if the code clears or changes
Inspect for aftermarket accessories tied into the wiring harness

Signal parameters

Expected: ~0 V (ground) or open when switch off; key-on switch positions provide switched battery voltage (~12 V) only when commanded
Fault condition: constant battery voltage (~12 V) present at the BCM input when it should be low/open
Continuity: switch should show correct continuity between terminals per switch position (refer to wiring diagram)
Resistance to ground: verify no low-resistance path to battery positive on circuit when switch disconnected

Diagnostic algorithm

Verify the code with a scan tool, note freeze frame and any related codes. Clear codes and attempt to reproduce to confirm condition.
Visually inspect connectors and harness from the rear wiper switch to the BCM and through the hatch hinge area for chafing, corrosion, or damage.
Check fuses and relays for the rear wiper circuit; replace any blown items and retest. Inspect fuse holder and wiring for signs of overheating.
With ignition ON, backprobe the rear wiper mode switch input at the BCM and at the switch. Compare voltages to expected values (should not be constant battery voltage when switch is off).
Disconnect the rear wiper mode switch connector. If the DTC clears or the input voltage changes to expected levels on the BCM side, suspect the switch or harness between switch and BCM.
If the short persists with the switch disconnected, isolate wiring by disconnecting sections or using wiring diagrams to locate other connectors/branches. Use an insulated jumper and fused power source only as needed for tests.
Use a fused test lamp or current-limited bench power to locate a short to battery if wiring shows constant 12 V where it shouldn’t. Repair damaged wiring, replace corroded connectors, or restore proper insulation.
If wiring and switch test good, test or substitute the BCM (or input module) per manufacturer procedure; replace BCM only after wiring/switch exclusion.
After repairs, clear codes, verify correct rear wiper operation through all modes, and confirm no return of B1613 after road test and multiple ignition cycles.
Safety note: Disconnect the battery or remove power when performing major repairs on body wiring. Avoid sustained powering of circuits during short-finding to prevent damage.