AutoCodes – Generic – B161E

B161E Code - Reading Lamp Control Circuit Short To Ground

Quick Answer

The Body Control Module (BCM) provides a battery voltage output to certain switched lamps through the reading lamp circuit. Common causes include Faulty Reading Lamp, Reading Lamp harness is open or shorted, Reading Lamp 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: B161E indicates Reading Lamp Control Circuit Short To Ground.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Reading Lamp, Reading Lamp harness is open or shorted, Reading Lamp 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 2,678

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 May 26, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B161E Description

The Body Control Module (BCM) provides a battery voltage output to certain switched lamps through the reading lamp circuit. These lamps use a switched path to ground for illumination. The BCM sets the OBDII code when the BCM detects a short to ground on the Reading Lamps Driver circuit for more than two seconds.

OBDII Code B161E - Reading Lamp Control Circuit Short To Ground - AutoCodes.com — B161E Code - Reading Lamp Control Circuit Short To Ground

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B161E?

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

How to Fix the DTC B161E?

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 B161E 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 B161E code?

Need more information on how to fix the B161E code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B161E code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B161E Chrysler — Reading Lamp Control Circuit Short To Ground
B161E Dodge — Reading Lamp Control Circuit Short To Ground
B161E Jeep — Reading Lamp Control Circuit Short To Ground
B161E RAM — Reading Lamp Control Circuit Short To Ground

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 B161E Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B161E (Reading Lamp Control Circuit Short To Ground)?

- Common symptoms include the reading lamp not working, flickering, or staying on constantly.

2. What are possible causes of OBDII code B161E?

- Possible causes include a short to ground in the reading lamp control circuit, a faulty reading lamp switch, or damaged wiring.

3. How can I diagnose OBDII code B161E?

- Diagnose the code by visually inspecting the reading lamp circuit for any visible damage, testing the reading lamp switch for proper functionality, and using a multimeter to check for a short to ground in the circuit.

4. Can OBDII code B161E be fixed without professional help?

- Yes, if you have basic automotive repair knowledge, you may be able to fix the issue by checking and repairing the reading lamp control circuit, replacing the reading lamp switch, or fixing any damaged wiring.

5. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code B161E?

- It is generally safe to continue driving, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to avoid potential electrical problems or draining the vehicle's battery.

6. Are there any quick repair tips for OBDII code B161E?

- A quick repair tip is to first check the reading lamp fuse to ensure it is not blown before proceeding to inspect the control circuit and components.

7. What is the typical cost to repair OBDII code B161E at a repair shop?

- The cost to repair OBDII code B161E at a repair shop can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

8. How long does it usually take to repair OBDII code B161E?

- The repair time for OBDII code B161E can vary based on the complexity of the issue and the availability of parts, but it may take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to complete the repair.

9. Can resetting the OBDII system clear code B161E temporarily?

- Resetting the OBDII system may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying issue causing code B161E is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear.

10. Are there any preventative measures to avoid OBDII code B161E in the future?

- To prevent OBDII code B161E from occurring in the future, regularly inspect the vehicle's electrical circuits, avoid overloading the reading lamp circuit, and promptly address any flickering lights or electrical issues.