B1841

Code

Other B — Body

Wiper Front Power Circuit Open

Brand: Other

Type: B — Body

Views: UK: 21 EN: 30 RU: 24

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Page language: EN

Causes

Blown fuse for front wiper circuit
Open or damaged wiring (broken conductor, chafed insulation)
Corroded or disconnected connector at wiper motor, switch, relay, or fuse box
Faulty front wiper motor (internal open winding)
Faulty wiper switch or multifunction stalk
Faulty relay or body control module (BCM) output driver

Symptoms

Front wipers do not operate when switched on
No audible wiper motor sound or movement
Intermittent or no voltage present at wiper motor connector
Related fuse is blown or shows heat damage
Possible warning lamp or stored related body control module codes

What to check

Visually inspect fuse and fuseholder for blown fuse or heat damage
Inspect wiring harness and connectors at the wiper motor, switch, relay, and fusebox for corrosion, damage, poor pins, or disconnected plugs
Check for power at the wiper motor power terminal with the switch in ON and park positions
Verify ground continuity from motor chassis/ground terminal to vehicle ground
Scan BCM/Body module for additional codes and input/output status
Perform a wiggle test on wiring while operating switch to reproduce intermittent opens

Signal parameters

Expected battery voltage at motor power terminal when ON: ~11–14 V (engine on or key ON)
Expected ground at motor ground terminal: near 0 V (continuity to chassis ground)
Typical wiper motor coil resistance (varies by vehicle): roughly 0.5–10 Ω (low-value—confirm OEM spec)
Typical running current no-load: ~1–6 A; stall current may be much higher—use care when bench-testing
Control signal from switch/BCM: switched battery voltage (0 V at OFF, ~12 V at ON) or pulsed/grounded output depending on design

Diagnostic algorithm

Safety: park wipers in service position if required, key OFF, and disconnect negative battery if performing connector repairs.
Step 1 — Visual & Fuse: inspect the front wiper fuse(s) and related fuseholder(s). Replace blown fuse and retest wipers. If fuse blows again, do not repeat without diagnosing short/open.
Step 2 — Connector & Harness: inspect and clean connectors at the wiper motor, multifunction switch and BCM/relay. Repair any corroded pins or damaged insulation.
Step 3 — Voltage Check at Motor: with key ON (and second helper operating switch), backprobe the motor power terminal. If ~12 V present when switch ON and good ground, suspect motor. If no voltage, continue upstream.
Step 4 — Ground Check: verify continuity between motor ground and chassis ground (
Step 5 — Upstream Tracing: if no power at motor, locate relay and fuse feed. Check for voltage at relay/fuse input and output. Operate switch while monitoring relay coil/switch output for command voltage.
Step 6 — Switch/BCM Output: test multifunction switch output and BCM driver using a lab scope or DVOM. If switch provides correct command but BCM output is absent, suspect BCM or relay driver.
Step 7 — Motor Bench Test: remove motor and bench-test with fused 12 V supply to verify motor runs and measure current. Replace motor if internal open or abnormal current draw.
Step 8 — Repairs & Verification: repair wiring, replace connectors, relays, switch or motor as indicated. Clear codes with scan tool, re-test full function and monitor for reoccurrence.
Notes: avoid applying battery power to a motor without a fuse; if fuse consistently blows, isolate short before replacing fuses repeatedly.