AutoCodes – Generic – B181E

B181E Code - Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open

Quick Answer

The Body Control Module (BCM) provides a reference voltage on the hood ajar switch sense circuit. Common causes include Faulty Hood Ajar Switch, Hood Ajar Switch harness is open or shorted, Hood Ajar 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: B181E indicates Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Hood Ajar Switch, Hood Ajar Switch harness is open or shorted, Hood Ajar 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 7,548

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 Jul 02, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B181E Description

The Body Control Module (BCM) provides a reference voltage on the hood ajar switch sense circuit. The Hood Ajar Switch switches the hood ajar switch sense circuit to ground when the hood is open. A diagnostic resistor internal to the switch is placed in parallel with the switch. When the BCM detects that the parallel resistor is not detected in the circuit and the switch is not closed.

OBDII Code B181E - Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open - AutoCodes.com — B181E Code - Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B181E?

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

How to Fix the DTC B181E?

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 B181E 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 B181E code?

Need more information on how to fix the B181E code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B181E code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B181E Chrysler — Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open
B181E Dodge — Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open
B181E Jeep — Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open
B181E RAM — Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open

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 B181E Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B181E (Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open)?

The common symptoms include the hood warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard, the hood not securely closing, and possible issues with the vehicle's remote start system.

2. What causes the OBDII code B181E to trigger?

The code B181E is triggered when the hood ajar switch circuit is detected as open, indicating that the hood is not securely closed.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B181E?

Diagnosing code B181E involves visually inspecting the hood ajar switch, checking the wiring for any damage, testing the switch for continuity, and confirming proper closure of the hood.

4. What are the repair options for OBDII code B181E?

Repair options for code B181E may include adjusting the hood latch mechanism, replacing the hood ajar switch, repairing damaged wiring, or resetting the hood ajar system in some cases.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code B181E?

It is generally safe to drive the vehicle with the B181E code, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent any inconvenience or potential safety hazards from an unlatched hood.

6. Will OBDII code B181E affect the overall performance of my vehicle?

Code B181E is related to the hood ajar system and does not directly impact the overall performance of the vehicle. However, addressing the issue is important for safety and convenience.

7. How do I reset OBDII code B181E after making repairs?

After repairing the issue causing code B181E, the code can be reset using an OBDII scanner or by disconnecting the vehicle's battery for a few minutes to clear the error code.

8. How common is OBDII code B181E in vehicles?

Code B181E related to the hood ajar input circuit is relatively common in vehicles equipped with a hood ajar warning system, especially in older vehicles or those with a history of hood latch problems.

9. Can extreme weather conditions trigger OBDII code B181E?

Extreme weather conditions, such as extreme cold or heat, can sometimes affect the hood latch mechanism or the hood ajar switch, potentially leading to code B181E being triggered.

10. Is it necessary to visit a mechanic for OBDII code B181E diagnosis and repair?

While it is possible to diagnose and repair code B181E yourself if you have the necessary tools and knowledge, seeking professional help from a mechanic is recommended for accurate diagnosis and proper repair.