AutoCodes – Generic – B1A06

B1A06 Code - Speaker 6 General Electric Failure

Quick Answer

The Audio Control Module (ACM) directs audio signals to the audio amplifier and to the subwoofer amplifier in the form of an AC voltage. Common causes include Blown Audio Fuse, Faulty Speaker, Speaker harness is open or shorted. Severity is Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical. The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.

What it means: B1A06 indicates Speaker 6 General Electric Failure.
Common causes: Common causes include Blown Audio Fuse, Faulty Speaker, Speaker harness is open or shorted.
Severity: Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical.
Can I drive?: The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.

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Code Popularity 3,779

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Low (Monitor) (1 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Basic DIY (1 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 06, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1A06 Description

The Audio Control Module (ACM) directs audio signals to the audio amplifier and to the subwoofer amplifier in the form of an AC voltage. The amplifiers boost the audio signals and send them to the speakers. The ACM provides internal circuit protection for shorts to ground or shorts to voltage.
A short to ground or short to voltage in the circuitry to one of the speakers may cause multiple speakers to lose sound due to the built-in overload protection feature of the ACM. In this case, a speaker fault DTC sets, and this pinpoint test should be followed to isolate the damaged circuit.
To enable the amplifiers, the ACM sends voltage through individual enable/clip circuits. The circuits act as both an output (to enable the amplifier) and an input (to detect an overload condition). The voltage sent by the ACM passes through a variable resistor in each amplifier, then to ground. As the amplifier reaches maximum output, the resistance in the variable resistor decreases. This decreases the voltage drop, resulting in the ACM detecting a higher voltage on the enable/clip circuit. When the voltage reaches the clip threshold, the ACM clips the audio output signal to the amplifier (heard as distortion), in order to prevent damage to the amplifier and speakers.
The enable/clip status is based on the following voltages, as detected by the ACM:
- Less than 0.4 volts: amplifier disabled
- Between 3.8 and 6.7 volts (nominal): amplifier enabled
- Greater than 8.5 volts: amplifier clipped
An open in the enable/clip circuit causes the speakers powered by that particular amplifier to produce no sound because the enable signal does not reach the audio amplifier. A short to ground or short to voltage can cause severe distortion to be heard in the speakers.

OBDII Code B1A06 - Speaker 6 General Electric Failure - AutoCodes.com — B1A06 Code - Speaker 6 General Electric Failure

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1A06?

Blown Audio Fuse
Faulty Speaker
Speaker harness is open or shorted
Speaker circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Audio amplifier
Faulty Subwoofer amplifier
Faulty Audio Control Module (ACM)

How to Fix the DTC B1A06?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

B1A06:01 Speaker #6 General Electrical Failure
B1A06:11 Speaker #6 Circuit Short to Ground
B1A06:12 Speaker #6 Circuit Short to Battery
B1A06:13 Speaker #6 Circuit Open

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B1A06 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 B1A06 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1A06 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1A06 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B1A06 Ford — Speaker 6 General Electric Failure
B1A06 Lincoln — Speaker 6 General Electric Failure
B1A06 Mercury — Speaker 6 General Electric Failure

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 B1A06 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1A06 Speaker 6 General Electric Failure?

The common symptoms include no sound coming from speaker 6, distorted sound, or intermittent sound issues.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1A06 Speaker 6 General Electric Failure?

Possible causes include a faulty speaker, wiring issues, loose connections, or a malfunctioning audio amplifier.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B1A06 Speaker 6 General Electric Failure?

You can diagnose this issue by checking the speaker connections, testing the speaker with a known working audio source, inspecting the wiring for damage, and using a multimeter to test for continuity.

4. Can I repair OBDII code B1A06 Speaker 6 General Electric Failure myself?

Yes, you can attempt to repair this issue yourself by checking and repairing any loose connections, replacing the faulty speaker, or repairing damaged wiring if you have the necessary tools and skills.

5. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code B1A06 Speaker 6 General Electric Failure?

It is generally safe to continue driving with this issue, but it can be quite frustrating to have no sound from a specific speaker. It is recommended to address the problem at your earliest convenience.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1A06 Speaker 6 General Electric Failure?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue. Replacing a speaker or repairing wiring may cost anywhere from $50 to $200, while diagnosing and fixing amplifier problems could cost more.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code B1A06 Speaker 6 General Electric Failure make the issue go away?

Resetting the code may temporarily clear the error code, but if the underlying issue is not fixed, the problem will likely reoccur. It is important to diagnose and address the root cause of the problem.

8. Can extreme temperatures or moisture affect OBDII code B1A06 Speaker 6 General Electric Failure?

Yes, extreme temperatures and moisture can potentially cause speaker or wiring issues, leading to the Speaker 6 General Electric Failure code. It is important to keep the vehicle's audio system protected from such conditions.

9. Are there any recalls related to OBDII code B1A06 Speaker 6 General Electric Failure?

There are no known recalls specifically related to this OBDII code. If you suspect a manufacturing defect, you may want to check with the vehicle manufacturer for any relevant information.

10. How can I prevent OBDII code B1A06 Speaker 6 General Electric Failure in the future?

To prevent this issue, it is advisable to regularly inspect and maintain your vehicle's audio system, avoid exposing it to extreme conditions, and address any sound quality issues promptly to prevent further damage.