AutoCodes – Generic – B3882

B3882 Code - Right 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 Right Tail Lamp, Right Tail Lamp harness is open or shorted, Right 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: B3882 indicates Right Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Right Tail Lamp, Right Tail Lamp harness is open or shorted, Right 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 4,077

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 B3882 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 right stop lamp control circuit.

OBDII Code B3882 - Right Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground - AutoCodes.com — B3882 Code - Right Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B3882?

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

How to Fix the DTC B3882?

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 B3882 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 B3882 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B3882 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B3882 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B3882 Buick — Right Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground
B3882 Cadillac — Right Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground
B3882 Chevrolet — Right Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground
B3882 GMC — Right Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground

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 B3882 Code

1. What does the OBDII code B3882 mean?

The B3882 code indicates a short to ground in the right tail lamp circuit, meaning the circuit is losing power due to unintended grounding.

2. What are the common symptoms of code B3882?

Symptoms include the right tail lamp not functioning, flickering, or being dim, as well as possible blown fuses or activated warning lights.

3. What causes the B3882 code to appear?

Common causes include damaged wiring, corroded connectors, a faulty bulb socket, or a shorted tail lamp assembly.

4. Can I still drive my car with the B3882 code?

While it may be safe to drive, a non-functioning tail light can lead to reduced visibility and potential safety issues, so it should be addressed promptly.

5. How do I diagnose the B3882 code?

Start by inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, check the bulb and socket, and use a multimeter to test for continuity and short circuits.

6. How can I fix the B3882 code?

Repairs may involve replacing damaged wiring, cleaning or replacing corroded connectors, installing a new bulb or socket, or replacing the tail lamp assembly.

7. What tools are needed to fix the B3882 code?

You'll need basic tools like screwdrivers, pliers, a multimeter, and possibly a wiring repair kit.

8. Can a blown fuse cause the B3882 code?

Yes, a blown fuse can result from the short to ground and may need replacement after the underlying issue is fixed.

9. Will resetting the code fix the B3882 issue?

Resetting the code will clear it temporarily, but the issue will return unless the root cause is repaired.

10. How much does it cost to fix the B3882 code?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue but can range from $50 for simple fixes like a bulb replacement to $200+ for wiring repairs or a new tail lamp assembly.