Code
B29E3
MITSUBISHI
B — Body
Key switch signal:long
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Stuck or mechanically damaged ignition/key switch
- Short to power in the ignition/key switch wiring
- Faulty starter relay or stuck relay contacts
- Poor connector or corrosion at the ignition switch harness or body control module (BCM) connector
- Faulty BCM/immobilizer module or software error
- Damaged wiring (chafing, pinched, water intrusion) causing a sustained signal
Symptoms
- Engine cranks continuously or starter stays engaged after key release
- No-crank or intermittent crank depending on circuit behavior
- Starter binds or does not disengage properly
- Battery drain when vehicle is off
- Ignition or immobilizer warning lamp illuminated on dash
- Intermittent start/stop failures or unexpected shutdowns
What to check
- Retrieve and record freeze-frame and all related B-codes with a capable scan tool
- Attempt to reproduce the condition and note vehicle state (key position, engine status, temperature)
- Visually inspect ignition switch, key cylinder (or push-button start module) and surrounding wiring for damage, corrosion or signs of heat
- Check fuses and relays related to ignition/starter circuits; swap relay with known-good if applicable
- Measure battery voltage before testing (low voltage may affect readings)
- Backprobe ignition switch harness and BCM input connector while operating key to observe signal behavior
Signal parameters
- OFF: ignition switch input typically near 0 V (ground)
- ACC/ON: ignition switch input near battery voltage (~12 V) when activated
- START: momentary 12 V pulse applied to starter circuit — normally a brief pulse while cranking
- Expected START pulse duration: typically a short, momentary signal (milliseconds to a couple seconds during cranking); 'long' means the START/ignition input is held active substantially longer than a normal cranking event
- Measure using a multimeter for steady-state voltage and an oscilloscope or graphing tool to capture pulse duration and shape
Diagnostic algorithm
- Confirm code and note any related DTCs; clear codes and attempt to reproduce to verify persistence
- Inspect ignition switch area, connectors and wiring for visible damage or contamination
- Check and record battery voltage; ensure supply is healthy before active tests
- With connector backprobed, operate key through positions while observing voltage on the ignition/START input at the BCM and at the switch end — compare behavior to expected transitions
- Use oscilloscope or graphing scan tool to capture the START pulse during cranking and note pulse width and whether it remains high after key released
- If START signal stays high at the BCM but is correct at the switch, inspect harness between switch and BCM for short to power or wired fault
- If START signal is incorrect at the switch, remove and test the ignition switch; bench-test replacement if available
- Check starter relay operation and replace or swap with known-good relay to rule out stuck relay
- Inspect/replace damaged wiring, repair corroded connectors, and ensure good grounds
- If wiring and mechanical parts OK, test/replace BCM or immobilizer module per manufacturer guidance (often last resort)
- After repairs, clear codes and verify normal operation under the same conditions that set the code
Likely causes
- Ignition switch contact welded or stuck in START/ON position
- Starter relay contacts welded closed or relay stuck energized
- Pinched harness near steering column causing short to battery
- Corroded connector at ignition switch or BCM causing intermittent/continuous signal
- BCM input driver damaged or faulty
Fault status
Status
Key switch signal: long — the ignition/key input was detected active for longer than expected; possible stuck switch, wiring short, relay or module fault.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-3.0 hours
Similar codes
Repair manuals
Manual library for MITSUBISHI
406
Browse 406 MITSUBISHI manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.
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MITSUBISHI: 2024
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- Black Edition, FWD
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- ES, FWD
- ES, FWD
- Ralliart
- Ralliart
- SE, AWD
- SE, AWD
- SE, FWD
- SE, FWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL Black Edition, AWD
- SEL Black Edition, AWD
- SEL Black Edition, FWD
- SEL Black Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
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Outlander PHEV
-
MITSUBISHI: 2022
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Eclipse Cross
- ES, AWD
- ES, AWD
- ES, FWD
- ES, FWD
- LE, AWD
- LE, AWD
- LE, FWD
- LE, FWD
- SE, AWD
- SE, AWD
- SE, FWD
- SE, FWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL Special Edition, AWD
- SEL Special Edition, AWD
- SEL Special Edition, FWD
- SEL Special Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
-
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MITSUBISHI: 2021
-
MITSUBISHI: 2020
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