AutoCodes – Generic – B17C5

B17C5 Code - Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp Control Circuit Short To Battery

Quick Answer

Four relays are used to provide voltage to the Trailer Tow connector. Common causes include Faulty Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp, Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp harness is open or shorted, Trailer Tow Reverse 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
B17C5 indicates Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp Control Circuit Short To Battery.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp, Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp harness is open or shorted, Trailer Tow Reverse 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 544
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 01, 2019
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Code B17C5 Description

Four relays are used to provide voltage to the Trailer Tow connector. The trailer tow relays are used to switch fused battery voltage directly to the Trailer Tow connector when requested. The trailer tow relays are activated through a ground path provided by the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM sets the OBDII code when it detects a short to voltage on the Trailer Reverse Lamp Control circuit.
OBDII Code B17C5 - Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp Control Circuit Short To Battery - AutoCodes.com
B17C5 Code - Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp Control Circuit Short To Battery

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B17C5?

  • Faulty Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp
  • Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp harness is open or shorted
  • Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)

How to Fix the DTC B17C5?

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 B17C5 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 B17C5 code?

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Need Help with the Code?

Get the B17C5 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

  • B17C5 Chrysler β€” Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp Control Circuit Short To Battery
  • B17C5 Dodge β€” Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp Control Circuit Short To Battery
  • B17C5 Jeep β€” Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp Control Circuit Short To Battery
  • B17C5 RAM β€” Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp Control Circuit Short To Battery
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 B17C5 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B17C5 (Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp Control Circuit Short To Battery)?

- Common symptoms include trailer reverse lights staying on constantly, reverse lights not working, and the reverse light indicator on the dashboard illuminated.

2. What can cause the Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp Control Circuit Short To Battery code (B17C5) to trigger?

- Possible causes include a short circuit in the trailer tow wiring, a faulty trailer tow module, damaged wiring harness, or a defective reverse light switch.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code B17C5 related to the trailer tow reverse lamp control circuit?

- You can start by inspecting the trailer tow wiring for any visible damage, testing the reverse light switch for proper functionality, and using a multimeter to check for shorts in the circuit.

4. Is it safe to continue driving with the B17C5 code indicating a trailer tow reverse lamp circuit short to battery?

- It is not recommended to drive with this code present, as it can affect the visibility of your vehicle to other drivers when reversing, increasing the risk of accidents.

5. Can I reset the B17C5 code related to the trailer tow reverse lamp control circuit myself?

- While you can clear the code with an OBDII scanner, it is crucial to address the root cause of the issue to prevent the code from reoccurring.

6. What repair options are available for fixing the Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp Control Circuit Short To Battery code?

- Repair options include repairing or replacing damaged wiring, replacing the trailer tow module, fixing the reverse light switch, and ensuring proper connections in the circuit.

7. How can I prevent the B17C5 code from appearing again in the future?

- Regularly inspecting the trailer tow wiring, ensuring proper installation of trailer towing components, and addressing any electrical issues promptly can help prevent the code from reoccurring.

8. Will fixing the Trailer Tow Reverse Lamp Control Circuit Short To Battery code require professional assistance?

- Depending on your experience with automotive electrical systems, you may opt to troubleshoot and repair the issue yourself or seek assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.

9. Are there any safety considerations to keep in mind when dealing with the B17C5 OBDII code?

- Safety precautions include disconnecting the battery before working on the electrical system, following proper wiring diagrams, and ensuring all repairs are done in a well-ventilated area.

10. Can a faulty trailer tow module cause the B17C5 code, or are there other potential culprits?

- A faulty trailer tow module can indeed trigger the B17C5 code, but it's essential to systematically diagnose other potential causes such as wiring faults and switch malfunctions before replacing components.

Discuss the causes and fixes for B17C5 OBDII Code

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