AutoCodes – Ford – B1318 Ford

B1318 Ford Code - Battery Voltage Low

Quick Answer

With the engine running, the charging system supplies voltage to the battery and the vehicle electrical system through the battery B+ cable. Common causes include Battery defective, Loose or missing alternator drive belt, Faulty Alternator. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: B1318 Ford indicates Battery Voltage Low.
Common causes: Common causes include Battery defective, Loose or missing alternator drive belt, Faulty Alternator.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 32,422

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Nov 29, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code B1318 Ford Description

With the engine running, the charging system supplies voltage to the battery and the vehicle electrical system through the battery B+ cable. The voltage that is supplied to the vehicle electrical system is used for the operation of the various vehicle systems and modules. Many modules monitor this voltage and if it rises above or below their calibrated setpoints, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) sets.

OBDII Code B1318 Ford - Battery Voltage Low - AutoCodes.com — B1318 Ford Code - Battery Voltage Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1318 Ford?

Battery defective
Loose or missing alternator drive belt
Faulty Alternator
Alternator harness is open or shorted
Alternator circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1318 Ford?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

According to the 1996 Ford Explorer factory service manaual, the B1317 and B1318 codes depends on which module the code was generated.

B1317
Four-Wheel Antilock Brake (4WABS) Control Module: Antilock Brake System Problem
Generic Electronic Module (GEM): Battery Voltage High

B1318
Automatic Ride Control (ARC) Module: Suspension Control (Automatic - Electronic Level)
Generic Electronic Module (GEM): Battery Voltage Low

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B1318 Ford code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the B1318 Ford code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1318 Ford code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1318 Ford code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B1318 Ford Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B1318 Ford (Battery Voltage Low)?

- Common symptoms include dimming lights, difficulty starting the vehicle, and frequent battery issues.

2. What causes the OBDII code B1318 Ford to trigger (Battery Voltage Low)?

- The code is triggered when the vehicle's battery voltage drops below the expected range, indicating a potential issue with the battery or charging system.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code B1318 Ford (Battery Voltage Low)?

- You can use a multimeter to test the battery voltage, check the alternator output, and inspect the battery terminals and cables for corrosion or damage.

4. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code B1318 Ford (Battery Voltage Low) present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with this code present, as low battery voltage can lead to stalling, electrical malfunctions, and potential damage to the vehicle's components.

5. Can a weak battery cause OBDII code B1318 Ford (Battery Voltage Low) to appear?

- Yes, a weak or failing battery can cause the voltage to drop below the expected range and trigger the B1318 code.

6. How can I repair OBDII code B1318 Ford (Battery Voltage Low)?

- Repair options include replacing the battery if it is old or weak, checking and repairing any charging system issues, and ensuring proper connection of battery terminals.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code B1318 Ford (Battery Voltage Low) make it go away permanently?

- Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but if the underlying issue is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear.

8. What are the potential risks of ignoring OBDII code B1318 Ford (Battery Voltage Low)?

- Ignoring the code can lead to unexpected breakdowns, damage to other electrical components, and increased repair costs in the long run.

9. Can extreme weather conditions affect OBDII code B1318 Ford (Battery Voltage Low)?

- Yes, extreme heat or cold can impact battery performance and contribute to low voltage issues triggering the B1318 code.

10. How often should I check the battery and charging system to prevent OBDII code B1318 Ford (Battery Voltage Low)?

- It is recommended to have the battery and charging system inspected regularly, especially before extreme weather conditions or long road trips, to prevent issues leading to the B1318 code.