AutoCodesRAM – B1974 RAM

B1974 RAM Code - Power Liftgate Close Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch Performance

Quick Answer

The Secondary Ratchet Switch must remain closed when the liftgate is fully open or between fully open and closed positions. Common causes include Binding Power Liftgate, Faulty Latch Secondary Position Sense, Latch Secondary Position Sense harness is open or shorted. 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
B1974 RAM indicates Power Liftgate Close Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch Performance.
Common causes
Common causes include Binding Power Liftgate, Faulty Latch Secondary Position Sense, Latch Secondary Position Sense harness is open or shorted.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 535
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 31, 2019
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Code B1974 RAM Description

The Secondary Ratchet Switch must remain closed when the liftgate is fully open or between fully open and closed positions. The switch will open when the liftgate is fully closed and latched. This switch indicates when the latch is in the secondary position. It is open when in secondary or primary positions and closed when out of secondary.
OBDII Code B1974 RAM - Power Liftgate Close Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch Performance - AutoCodes.com
B1974 RAM Code - Power Liftgate Close Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch Performance

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1974 RAM?

  • Binding Power Liftgate
  • Faulty Latch Secondary Position Sense
  • Latch Secondary Position Sense harness is open or shorted
  • Latch Secondary Position Sense circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Power Liftgate Latch
  • Faulty Power Liftgate Module

How to Fix the DTC B1974 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 B1974 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 B1974 RAM Code

What does the OBDII code B1974 on a RAM vehicle mean?

The code B1974 indicates an issue with the Power Liftgate Close Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch, suggesting a performance problem or malfunction.

What are the common symptoms of the B1974 code on a RAM vehicle?

Symptoms include the power liftgate not closing properly, intermittent operation, or the liftgate stopping mid-cycle.

What causes the B1974 code to appear on a RAM vehicle?

Common causes include a faulty secondary switch, wiring issues, corrosion at connectors, or a malfunctioning liftgate actuator.

Can I still use the liftgate manually if the B1974 code is active?

Yes, the liftgate can often be operated manually, but the power functionality may be compromised or unreliable.

How can I diagnose the B1974 code on a RAM vehicle?

Use an OBDII scanner to confirm the code, then inspect the liftgate secondary switch, wiring connections, and actuator for visible damage or wear.

What tools are needed to repair the B1974 code on a RAM vehicle?

You may need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter, basic hand tools, and electrical contact cleaner for diagnosing and repairing the issue.

Is the B1974 code a serious issue?

While not critical, this code can be inconvenient and may prevent the liftgate from functioning properly, requiring timely attention to restore functionality.

Can a software issue cause the B1974 code on a RAM vehicle?

While rare, a software glitch or incorrect programming in the body control module could potentially trigger this code, but hardware issues are more common.

How much does it cost to repair the B1974 code on a RAM vehicle?

Repair costs vary depending on whether you’re replacing the secondary switch, repairing wiring, or addressing other related components, typically ranging from $100 to $300.

Can the B1974 code clear itself on a RAM vehicle?

If the issue is intermittent, the code may clear temporarily, but repairs are usually required to ensure the liftgate operates reliably.

Discuss the causes and fixes for B1974 RAM OBDII Code

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