B162E Dodge Code - Right Low Beam Control Circuit Short
Quick Answer
The Body Control Module (BCM) receives the input from the headlamp switch requesting low beam lamp illumination. Common causes include Faulty Right Low Beam Bulb, Right Low Beam Bulb harness is open or shorted, Right Low Beam Bulb 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
- B162E Dodge indicates Right Low Beam Control Circuit Short.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Faulty Right Low Beam Bulb, Right Low Beam Bulb harness is open or shorted, Right Low Beam Bulb 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.
Code B162E Dodge Description
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B162E Dodge?
- Faulty Right Low Beam Bulb
- Right Low Beam Bulb harness is open or shorted
- Right Low Beam Bulb circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)
How to Fix the DTC B162E Dodge?
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.
Code Tech Notes
B162A-11 RIGHT LOW BEAM CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORT TO GROUND PREMIUM
B162A-15 RIGHT LOW BEAM CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORT TO BATTERY OR OPEN BASE
B162A-15 RIGHT LOW BEAM CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORT TO BATTERY OR OPEN PREMIUM
What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?
Labor: 1.0
To diagnose the B162E Dodge 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about B162E Dodge Code
1. What does the OBDII code B162E mean on a Dodge vehicle?
B162E indicates a problem in the right low beam control circuit, specifically a short circuit.
2. What are the common symptoms of the B162E code?
The most common symptom is the right low beam headlight not functioning, or flickering.
3. What causes the B162E code to appear?
This code is typically caused by damaged wiring, a short to ground or power in the circuit, a faulty headlight bulb, or a malfunctioning headlight control module.
4. Can a blown fuse trigger the B162E code?
Yes, a blown fuse in the headlight circuit can trigger this code if it’s caused by a short circuit.
5. How do I diagnose the B162E code?
Start by inspecting the headlight bulb, wiring, and connectors for damage. Use a multimeter to check for continuity and shorts in the circuit.
6. Is it safe to drive with the B162E code?
While the vehicle may still be drivable, it’s unsafe to drive at night or in low visibility conditions with a non-functioning low beam headlight.
7. How can I fix the B162E code?
Repairs may include replacing the right low beam bulb, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or replacing the headlight control module if it’s defective.
8. Can corrosion cause the B162E code?
Yes, corrosion on connectors or wiring can disrupt the circuit and cause a short, leading to this code.
9. Do I need special tools to fix the B162E code?
You may need a multimeter for electrical testing and basic tools to access and repair the headlight components.
10. Should I reset the code after repairs?
Yes, clear the code with an OBDII scanner after completing repairs to ensure the issue is resolved. If the code returns, further diagnosis is needed.
Discuss the causes and fixes for B162E Dodge OBDII Code
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I have a 2015 Dodge Challenger VIN #2C3CDZBG3FH75951 which I replaced the headlights with a aftermarket lights after a deer event. The lights are Karpal part# 1KPCH1904 058 & 057. The lights come for a short time then they both go out. If you shut the car off and start it again they came back on. I have two codes from the BCM #B162E-11 AND B162A-11. Can you help with this problem?
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Thanks for the detailed info — that helps a lot.
The codes you're seeing:
- B162E-11 = Right low beam circuit short to ground
- B162A-11 = Left low beam circuit short to ground
These tell us the Body Control Module (BCM) is detecting a problem with both headlight circuits — specifically that it's seeing too much current or a direct short.
Since the issue started after installing aftermarket headlights, here’s what I’d recommend:
1. Check current draw
Aftermarket headlights (especially if they’re LED or HID) can sometimes draw more or less current than the factory lights. The BCM is very sensitive to that — if it thinks the current is out of spec, it will shut the circuit down to protect itself.
- If they draw too much current, you get a short-to-ground code.
- If they draw too little (like some LEDs), the BCM can think the bulb is out or that the circuit is open/shorted.
2. Check for load resistors or decoding modules
Some aftermarket lights require load resistors or CANbus decoders to work correctly with modern vehicles like your Challenger. If your Karpal headlights didn’t come with those, or they aren’t installed properly, that could be the problem.
3. Wiring/connector check
Even though this sounds like a compatibility issue, don’t rule out:
- Damaged wiring from the accident
- Loose or corroded connectors at the headlight plugs
- A pinched harness that shorts when the car is running or when you hit a bump
4. Quick test
Try temporarily plugging in your old OEM headlight (if it's still functional) and see if the code clears and the light stays on. If it does, then it’s definitely a compatibility issue with the aftermarket set.
Fix suggestion:
- You may need to add inline resistors or a CANbus error-free decoder kit made for Dodge vehicles.
- Some owners also reprogram the BCM or use a custom tuner (like HP Tuners) to adjust lighting parameters — though that's more advanced and not always necessary.
Let me know if you want help finding a resistor kit or decoder that works with these lights — happy to help. You’re not the first Challenger owner to run into this exact issue.
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