AutoCodes – Ford – B1C38 Ford

B1C38 Ford Code - Master Unlock Switch

Quick Answer

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Master Unlock Switch. Common causes include Faulty Master Unlock Switch, Master Unlock Switch harness is open or shorted, Master Unlock 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: B1C38 Ford indicates Master Unlock Switch.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Master Unlock Switch, Master Unlock Switch harness is open or shorted, Master Unlock 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 4,142

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 Aug 26, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1C38 Ford Description

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Master Unlock Switch. The BCM sets the OBDII code when the Master Unlock Switch is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code B1C38 Ford - Master Unlock Switch - AutoCodes.com — B1C38 Ford Code - Master Unlock Switch

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1C38 Ford?

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

How to Fix the DTC B1C38 Ford?

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

B1C38:11 Master Unlock Switch Circuit Short To Ground
B1C38:23 Master Unlock Switch Signal Stuck Low

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B1C38 Ford 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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Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1C38 Ford code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 B1C38 Ford Code

1. What does the OBDII code B1C38 Ford Master Unlock Switch indicate?

The B1C38 code in Ford vehicles refers to an issue with the Master Unlock Switch, which is typically related to a malfunction in the switch itself or its circuit.

2. What are the common symptoms of a B1C38 Ford code?

Common symptoms of the B1C38 code may include non-responsive or erratic behavior from the Master Unlock Switch, difficulty unlocking doors, or the Master Unlock Switch not functioning at all.

3. What are some possible causes of the B1C38 Ford code?

Potential causes of the B1C38 code include a faulty Master Unlock Switch, damaged wiring or connectors in the switch circuit, or a malfunction in the Body Control Module (BCM).

4. How can I diagnose the B1C38 Ford code?

Diagnosing the B1C38 code involves inspecting the Master Unlock Switch for physical damage, checking the wiring and connectors for any issues, and using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve specific fault codes from the vehicle's BCM.

5. Can I repair the B1C38 Ford code on my own?

Depending on the cause of the B1C38 code, you may be able to repair it on your own by replacing the faulty Master Unlock Switch, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or resetting the BCM. However, advanced diagnostics and repair skills may be needed in some cases.

6. Is it safe to continue driving with a B1C38 Ford code?

While the B1C38 code may not directly affect the drivability of the vehicle, it is important to address the underlying issue promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the Master Unlock Switch and related systems.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair a B1C38 Ford code?

The cost of repairing a B1C38 code can vary depending on the cause of the issue, labor rates, and the cost of replacement parts. It is recommended to obtain quotes from reputable repair shops for an accurate estimate.

8. Can resetting the vehicle's computer clear the B1C38 Ford code?

Resetting the vehicle's computer may temporarily clear the B1C38 code, but if the underlying issue with the Master Unlock Switch or its circuit is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear.

9. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to the B1C38 Ford code?

It is advisable to check with authorized Ford dealerships or visit the manufacturer's website to see if there are any recalls or technical service bulletins related to the B1C38 code for your specific vehicle model.

10. Will a B1C38 Ford code cause my airbags to deploy?

The B1C38 code is not directly related to the airbag system and should not cause the airbags to deploy. However, it is essential to address the issue promptly to maintain the overall safety and functionality of your vehicle.