AutoCodes – Generic – B1520

B1520 Code - Hood Switch Circuit Open

Quick Answer

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Hood Switch. Common causes include Faulty Hood Switch, Hood Switch harness is open or shorted, Hood Switch circuit poor electrical connection. 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: B1520 indicates Hood Switch Circuit Open.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Hood Switch, Hood Switch harness is open or shorted, Hood Switch circuit poor electrical connection.
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.

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Code Popularity 16,802

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 Apr 29, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1520 Description

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Hood Switch. The BCM sets the OBDII code when the Hood Switch is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code B1520 - Hood Switch Circuit Open - AutoCodes.com — B1520 Code - Hood Switch Circuit Open

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1520?

Faulty Hood Switch
Hood Switch harness is open or shorted
Hood Switch circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1520?

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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B1520 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 B1520 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1520 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1520 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 B1520 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1520 (Hood Switch Circuit Open)?

- Common symptoms include the hood warning light staying on, the hood not latching properly, and the vehicle's alarm system being affected.

2. What can cause the OBDII code B1520 (Hood Switch Circuit Open) to trigger?

- Possible causes include a faulty hood switch, a broken or disconnected hood switch circuit, or a malfunctioning alarm control module.

3. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B1520 (Hood Switch Circuit Open)?

- You can diagnose the problem by visually inspecting the hood switch and its wiring, checking for continuity in the circuit, and using a scan tool to retrieve fault codes.

4. Can I drive my vehicle with the OBDII code B1520 (Hood Switch Circuit Open) active?

- It is generally safe to drive the vehicle with this code, but you may experience issues with the alarm system or the hood not latching securely.

5. How can I repair the OBDII code B1520 (Hood Switch Circuit Open) issue?

- Repair options include replacing the hood switch, repairing the wiring or connections in the circuit, or resetting the alarm control module.

6. Will resetting the OBDII code B1520 (Hood Switch Circuit Open) make the issue go away permanently?

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

7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the OBDII code B1520 (Hood Switch Circuit Open) problem?

- Yes, if you have basic automotive repair skills and the necessary tools, you can attempt to fix this issue yourself by following repair guides or consulting a service manual.

8. Is the OBDII code B1520 (Hood Switch Circuit Open) a serious problem?

- While not a critical issue for the vehicle's operation, it can affect the security features and proper functioning of the alarm system.

9. Can extreme weather conditions cause the OBDII code B1520 (Hood Switch Circuit Open) to trigger?

- Yes, extreme heat or cold can sometimes affect the hood switch or its wiring, leading to the circuit being open and triggering the code.

10. How long does it typically take to repair the OBDII code B1520 (Hood Switch Circuit Open)?

- The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to diagnose and fix the problem.