Code
B1626
Other
B — Body
Lamp Keypad Output Short Circuit To Ground
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Shorted wiring between the keypad/lamp output and ground
- Failed lamp, LED module or keypad assembly with internal short
- Damaged or chafed harness or connector pin contacting chassis ground
- Faulty BCM or keypad control module output transistor
- Corroded or loose connector creating a low-resistance path to ground
- Aftermarket accessory or recent repair that disturbed the circuit
Symptoms
- Keypad or push-button backlighting not working or overly dim
- Blown fuses on related circuit
- Intermittent or permanent inoperative lamps or keypad functions
- Illumination that flickers or only works with certain ignition states
- Possible multiple related circuits affected if BCM output is damaged
What to check
- Retrieve freeze frame/OBD data and note when the fault sets (ignition state, conditions)
- Inspect related fuses for open or signs of overheating
- Visually inspect wiring, harness routing, connectors, and lamps/keypad for damage or corrosion
- Disconnect the keypad/lamp connector and check if code clears or changes
- Measure output voltage at the module connector with respect to ground (key on) and compare to expected
- Measure continuity/resistance from output pin to chassis ground with harness disconnected to detect direct short
Signal parameters
- Expected resting/low output: ~0 V
- Expected active/high output (when driving lamp): approximately battery voltage (11–14 V)
- Short-to-ground: near 0 V at output when it should be high; low resistance to chassis ground (typically < 5 Ω if a direct short)
- Open-circuit: infinite/high resistance when module disconnected from load
- Lamp/LED typical load: tens to hundreds of ohms depending on lamp type; excessive current draw indicates shorted device or wiring
Diagnostic algorithm
- Read and record freeze frame and number of occurrences. Clear the code and operate the system to see if the code returns.
- Inspect visible wiring, connectors and the keypad/lamp assembly for damage, corrosion, or signs of heat. Repair or replace damaged harness sections.
- With ignition off, disconnect the keypad/lamp connector. Check resistance between the output pin and chassis ground. A very low resistance indicates a short in the lamp/connector/wiring.
- With the connector disconnected, perform a bench check of the keypad/lamp assembly (if serviceable) using a fused 12 V supply or an equivalent test procedure to confirm internal short.
- Reconnect and backprobe the BCM/module output pin with ignition on. Verify voltage changes when the lamp/keypad should be driven. If output remains at or near 0 V while the module commands ON, suspect a short or a failed module driver.
- Inspect and test related fuses and fusible links for signs of overload. Replace only after locating and repairing the short.
- If wiring and lamp assembly check good, consult manufacturer service information and consider module bench testing or replacement. Replace the BCM only after verifying wiring and loads are clean.
- After repair, clear codes and re-test all related functions under the same conditions that produced the fault to confirm repair.
Likely causes
- Wiring harness abrasion or pinched cable near hinge, dash, or console
- Defective keypad or lamp assembly (internal shorted LED or driver)
- Blown or low-resistance fuse or fusible link indicating high current
- Faulty body control module output driver
Fault status
Status
Lamp keypad output detected as shorted to ground. The body control module has logged a low-resistance path to chassis ground from the keypad/lamp output; related illumination or keypad functions may be inoperative.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours
Similar codes
Repair manuals
Brands with available manuals
7,729
The library contains 7,729 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 :)
Was this AI description helpful?
Your feedback helps improve AI descriptions.
👍 Like
0
👎 Dislike
0
Send to email
