AutoCodes – Generic – B1842

B1842 Code - Wiper Front Power Circuit Short To Battery

Quick Answer

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Wiper Front Power Motor. Common causes include Faulty Wiper Front Power Motor, Wiper Front Power Motor harness is open or shorted, Wiper Front Power Motor 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: B1842 indicates Wiper Front Power Circuit Short To Battery.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Wiper Front Power Motor, Wiper Front Power Motor harness is open or shorted, Wiper Front Power Motor 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 6,197

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 B1842 Description

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Wiper Front Power Motor. The BCM sets the OBDII code when the Wiper Front Power Motor is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code B1842 - Wiper Front Power Circuit Short To Battery - AutoCodes.com — B1842 Code - Wiper Front Power Circuit Short To Battery

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1842?

Faulty Wiper Front Power Motor
Wiper Front Power Motor harness is open or shorted
Wiper Front Power Motor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1842?

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 B1842 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 B1842 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1842 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1842 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B1842 Lexus — Short To Ground In Curtain Shield Squib Right 2nd Step Circuit
B1842 Scion — Short To Ground In Curtain Shield Squib Right 2nd Step Circuit
B1842 Toyota — Short To Ground In Curtain Shield Squib Right 2nd Step Circuit

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 B1842 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1842 (Wiper Front Power Circuit Short To Battery)?

- Common symptoms may include constant operation of the front wipers, wipers not working at all, or blown fuses related to the wiper system.

2. What are some possible causes of the OBDII code B1842?

- Possible causes include damaged wiring or connectors in the wiper circuit, a faulty wiper motor, or a malfunctioning wiper switch.

3. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B1842?

- You can start by visually inspecting the wiper system wiring and connectors for any signs of damage. Using a multimeter to test for continuity and checking the wiper motor and switch for proper functionality can also help diagnose the problem.

4. Is it safe to drive my vehicle with OBDII code B1842 active?

- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with this code active, as it may lead to unsafe driving conditions if the wipers are not functioning properly.

5. How can I repair OBDII code B1842 (Wiper Front Power Circuit Short To Battery)?

- Repair involves identifying the specific cause of the short to the battery, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, connectors, wiper motor, or switch as needed, and clearing the code from the vehicle's computer.

6. Can I reset the OBDII code B1842 without fixing the issue?

- Resetting the code without addressing the underlying issue will likely result in the code reappearing once the problem is detected again during the vehicle's self-diagnostic checks.

7. Are there any DIY tips for troubleshooting OBDII code B1842?

- DIY tips include checking the wiper fuse, inspecting the wiper motor connections, and ensuring the wiper switch is functioning correctly before seeking professional help if needed.

8. Will fixing OBDII code B1842 require specialized tools?

- While basic tools like a multimeter and basic hand tools may be sufficient for diagnosing and repairing this code, specialized tools may be needed depending on the specific cause of the issue.

9. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code B1842?

- The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to diagnose and fix the problem related to this code.

10. Can extreme weather conditions affect the appearance of OBDII code B1842?

- Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow may exacerbate issues related to the wiper system, potentially triggering the appearance of OBDII code B1842.