AutoCodes – RAM – B181E RAM

B181E RAM 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 RAM 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 1,715

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B181E RAM?

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 RAM?

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 RAM 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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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 RAM Code

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

- Common symptoms include the hood warning light staying illuminated, erroneous hood ajar warnings on the dashboard, and potential issues with remote start functionality.

2. What can cause the OBDII code B181E RAM Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open?

- The code can be triggered by a faulty hood ajar switch, damaged wiring in the hood ajar circuit, or a malfunction in the body control module.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code B181E RAM Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open?

- You can start by visually inspecting the hood ajar switch and its wiring for any damage. Additionally, using a multimeter to test the switch's continuity and checking for proper voltage in the circuit can help pinpoint the issue.

4. Is it safe to drive with OBDII code B181E RAM Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open?

- While the code itself does not pose an immediate safety risk, it is important to address the underlying issue causing it to prevent potential problems with the hood latch system.

5. Can I reset OBDII code B181E RAM Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open without fixing the problem?

- Resetting the code without fixing the root cause will only temporarily turn off the warning light. The code will likely reappear until the issue with the hood ajar circuit is resolved.

6. How can I repair OBDII code B181E RAM Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open?

- Repair methods may include replacing the hood ajar switch, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or reprogramming the body control module if necessary.

7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code B181E RAM Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open?

- Depending on your skill level and access to tools, DIY enthusiasts may be able to address this issue by following repair guides or consulting with experts for guidance.

8. Will fixing OBDII code B181E RAM Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open be expensive?

- The cost of fixing the code can vary based on the specific cause of the issue. Replacing a faulty switch or repairing wiring may be relatively affordable, while more complex repairs involving the body control module could be pricier.

9. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code B181E RAM Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open?

- The repair time can vary depending on the cause of the issue and your experience level. Simple fixes like replacing a switch may take an hour or less, while more complex repairs could require more time.

10. Can OBDII code B181E RAM Hood Ajar Input Circuit Open affect other vehicle systems?

- While the code primarily relates to the hood ajar warning system, unresolved issues with the circuit could potentially impact other related systems like the alarm or remote start functions.