AutoCodes – Chevrolet – B3881 Chevrolet

B3881 Chevrolet Code - Left Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground

Quick Answer

The brake pedal position sensor is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. Common causes include Faulty Left Tail Lamp, Left Tail Lamp harness is open or shorted, Left Tail 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: B3881 Chevrolet indicates Left Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Left Tail Lamp, Left Tail Lamp harness is open or shorted, Left Tail 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.

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Code Popularity 5,012

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 Mar 23, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B3881 Chevrolet Description

The brake pedal position sensor is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The brake pedal position sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The Body Control Module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a 5 V reference voltage to the brake pedal position sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the BCM will apply battery voltage to the left and right stop lamp control circuits as well as the center high mounted stop lamp relay control circuit illuminating the left and right stop lamps and the center high mounted stop lamp. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) sets when the BCM detects a short to ground in the left stop lamp control circuit.

OBDII Code B3881 Chevrolet - Left Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground - AutoCodes.com — B3881 Chevrolet Code - Left Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B3881 Chevrolet?

Faulty Left Tail Lamp
Left Tail Lamp harness is open or shorted
Left Tail Lamp circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)

How to Fix the DTC B3881 Chevrolet?

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 B3881 Chevrolet 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 more information on how to fix the B3881 Chevrolet code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B3881 Chevrolet 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 B3881 Chevrolet Code

1. What does the OBDII code B3881 mean on a Chevrolet?

The B3881 code indicates a short to ground in the left tail lamp circuit, meaning the wiring or components related to the left tail light are grounded improperly.

2. What are common symptoms of the B3881 code on a Chevrolet?

Symptoms include the left tail lamp not working, dim or flickering lights, blown fuses, or dashboard warnings related to the exterior lighting system.

3. What causes the B3881 code on a Chevrolet?

Common causes include damaged wiring, corroded connectors, a faulty tail lamp assembly, or a blown fuse in the left tail lamp circuit.

4. Can I drive my Chevrolet with the B3881 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, it's unsafe to do so at night or in poor visibility conditions due to the malfunctioning tail lamp.

5. How do I diagnose the B3881 code on a Chevrolet?

Start by inspecting the left tail lamp wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion. Check the fuse for the tail lamp circuit and test the lamp assembly for proper operation.

6. How can I fix the B3881 code on my Chevrolet?

Repairs may involve replacing damaged wiring, cleaning or replacing corroded connectors, installing a new tail lamp assembly, or replacing a blown fuse.

7. Can a bad ground connection cause the B3881 code?

Yes, a poor or loose ground connection in the left tail lamp circuit can trigger this code.

8. Will clearing the B3881 code fix the problem?

Clearing the code will reset the warning temporarily, but the underlying issue must be repaired to prevent the code from returning.

9. How much does it cost to fix the B3881 code on a Chevrolet?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue, ranging from $50 for a fuse replacement to $150-$300 for wiring repairs or a new tail lamp assembly.

10. Can I fix the B3881 code myself?

If you're familiar with basic electrical troubleshooting, you can attempt repairs like replacing a fuse, inspecting wiring, or cleaning connectors. Otherwise, consult a mechanic.