B3516

Code

Generic B — Body

Body Control Module: Passenger Door Lock Circuit Fault

Brand: Generic

Type: B — Body

Views: UK: 5 EN: 10 RU: 4

AI status

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Page language: EN

Causes

Open or shorted wiring between BCM and passenger door lock actuator or switch
Poor or corroded connector pin contact at door harness, BCM or actuator
Failed passenger door lock actuator (motor or internal electronics)
Faulty passenger door lock switch or sensor
Faulty BCM driver circuit or internal BCM fault
Water intrusion or physical damage to door harness or actuator

Symptoms

Passenger door fails to lock or unlock with remote or door switch
Intermittent door lock operation on passenger door only
Chime or message on dash indicating door unlock/ajar
Other BCM-controlled functions affected on same door (mirror, window) in some vehicles
Related DTCs set for door lock circuit or communication faults

What to check

Scan for active and stored codes; note freeze frame and related codes
Verify battery voltage is within specification (12.4–12.8 V nominal at rest)
Visually inspect door wiring harness, door jamb boot, connectors and actuator for damage or corrosion
Operate lock/unlock while watching scan tool for BCM commands and feedback/position status
Backprobe connector at actuator and switch to measure signals while commanding locks
Check fuses and power/ground feeds to BCM and door circuits

Signal parameters

Lock/unlock command: +12 V pulse or ground-driven depending on vehicle design
Actuator coil resistance: typically 5–50 ohms (varies by actuator); consult OEM spec where available
BCM driver output low resistance to ground when active (near 0 ohms) or active high ~12 V
Signal idle: open circuit or resting voltage per vehicle design (commonly battery voltage with open-circuit sensor)
Communications (if door module uses CAN/LIN): normal bus voltage ~2.5 V idle (CAN) or LIN idle ~ battery through pull-up; check for errors

Diagnostic algorithm

Read and record B3516 and any related codes with a scan tool; note whether code is current or historic and any freeze-frame data.
Attempt normal lock/unlock functions and observe symptom. Reproduce fault while monitoring the BCM inputs/outputs with a scan tool or breakout adapter.
Visually inspect passenger door harness, door jamb boot, and connectors for chafing, corrosion, or water intrusion. Repair visible damage.
Verify power and ground at the door actuator connector with a DMM. Check for battery voltage at the feed and a good ground reference.
Backprobe actuator connector while commanding lock and unlock from scan tool or remote. Confirm expected drive signals (voltage change or ground switching).
Measure actuator coil resistance with circuit disconnected. Replace actuator if coil is open, shorted, or out of specified range.
Perform continuity/resistance check from the BCM connector to the passenger door actuator connector. Repair any open/short/high resistance paths (especially through the door jamb boot).
Inspect and test passenger door lock switch/sensor. Replace or repair if switch gives no/erratic input.
If wiring and actuator test good, check BCM outputs and inputs. If BCM driver appears faulty or intermittent and wiring is verified, consider BCM repair or replacement per OEM procedure.
Clear codes and retest operation. If intermittent, perform wiggle test on harness while monitoring for code return.
After repair, confirm no other related DTCs and verify normal door lock operation over multiple cycles.