AutoCodesGeneric – B2490

B2490 Code - Underhood Lamp Output Circuit Short To Battery

Quick Answer

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Underhood Lamp. Common causes include Faulty Underhood Lamp, Underhood Lamp harness is open or shorted, Underhood Lamp 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
B2490 indicates Underhood Lamp Output Circuit Short To Battery.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Underhood Lamp, Underhood Lamp harness is open or shorted, Underhood Lamp 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 3,612
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Dec 09, 2019
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Code B2490 Description

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Underhood Lamp. The BCM sets the OBDII code when the Underhood Lamp is not to factory specifications.
OBDII Code B2490 - Underhood Lamp Output Circuit Short To Battery - AutoCodes.com
B2490 Code - Underhood Lamp Output Circuit Short To Battery

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B2490?

  • Faulty Underhood Lamp
  • Underhood Lamp harness is open or shorted
  • Underhood Lamp circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC B2490?

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 B2490 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 B2490 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B2490 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

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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 B2490 Code

1. What does OBDII code B2490 mean?

Code B2490 indicates that the underhood lamp output circuit has a short to the battery, meaning there is an abnormal electrical connection where voltage is continuously present in the circuit.

2. What are the common symptoms of code B2490?

Symptoms may include the underhood lamp staying on constantly, a drained battery, or visible signs of electrical damage like burnt wiring or blown fuses.

3. What causes the B2490 code to appear?

The most common causes are damaged wiring in the underhood lamp circuit, a faulty underhood lamp assembly, or a short circuit due to exposed wiring touching a power source.

4. Can code B2490 drain my car battery?

Yes, if the underhood lamp is constantly drawing power due to the short circuit, it can lead to premature battery drain.

5. How do I diagnose code B2490?

Start by inspecting the underhood lamp wiring and connectors for damage or exposed wires. Use a multimeter to check for continuity and ensure there are no unexpected connections to the battery.

6. How can I fix the B2490 OBDII code?

Repair or replace any damaged wiring, connectors, or the underhood lamp assembly. Ensure all connections are properly insulated and secure to prevent future shorts.

7. Is it safe to drive with code B2490?

While it may not immediately impact drivability, ignoring this issue can lead to a dead battery or further electrical damage, so it’s best to address it promptly.

8. Will clearing the B2490 code fix the issue?

Clearing the code will reset the warning temporarily, but the underlying issue causing the short circuit must be fixed to prevent the code from returning.

9. Can I fix the B2490 code myself?

If you’re comfortable working with automotive electrical systems, you may be able to fix it by repairing damaged wiring or replacing the underhood lamp. Otherwise, it’s best to seek professional help.

10. How much does it cost to repair the B2490 code?

The cost depends on the extent of the damage. Simple wiring repairs may cost under $100, while replacing components like the lamp assembly could be more expensive depending on the vehicle.

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