AutoCodes – Saturn – B3950 Saturn

B3950 Saturn Code - Left Rear Turn Signal Circuit

Quick Answer

Ground is applied at all times to the turn signal/multifunction switch. Common causes include Faulty Left Rear Turn Signal Lamp, Left Rear Turn Signal Lamp harness is open or shorted, Left Rear Turn Signal 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: B3950 Saturn indicates Left Rear Turn Signal Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Left Rear Turn Signal Lamp, Left Rear Turn Signal Lamp harness is open or shorted, Left Rear Turn Signal 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 821

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Basic DIY (1 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 17, 2023

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B3950 Saturn Description

Ground is applied at all times to the turn signal/multifunction switch. The turn signal lamps may only be activated with the ignition switch in the ON or START positions. When the turn signal/multifunction switch is placed in either the TURN RIGHT or TURN LEFT position, ground is applied to the Body Control Module (BCM) through either the right turn or left turn signal switch signal circuit. The BCM responds to the turn signal switch input by applying a pulsating voltage to the front and rear turn signal lamps through there respective control circuits. When a turn signal request is received by the BCM, a serial data message is sent to the instrument cluster requesting the respective turn signal indicator be pulsed ON and OFF. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the BCM detects a short to voltage, short to ground, or an open/high resistance in the left rear turn signal control circuit.

OBDII Code B3950 Saturn - Left Rear Turn Signal Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B3950 Saturn Code - Left Rear Turn Signal Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B3950 Saturn?

Faulty Left Rear Turn Signal Lamp
Left Rear Turn Signal Lamp harness is open or shorted
Left Rear Turn Signal Lamp circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC B3950 Saturn?

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

B3950:01 Left Rear Turn Signal Circuit Short to Battery
B3950:02 Left Rear Turn Signal Circuit Short to Ground
B3950:04 Left Rear Turn Signal Circuit Open

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B3950 Saturn 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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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 B3950 Saturn Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B3950 in a Saturn related to the left rear turn signal circuit?

- Common symptoms include a non-functioning left rear turn signal, rapid blinking of the turn signal, or a warning light on the dashboard indicating a turn signal issue.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B3950 in a Saturn affecting the left rear turn signal circuit?

- Possible causes may include a faulty left rear turn signal bulb, a damaged wiring harness, a defective turn signal switch, or a malfunctioning body control module.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B3950 in a Saturn for the left rear turn signal circuit issue?

- You can start by visually inspecting the left rear turn signal bulb and its socket for any damage. Check the wiring for any visible signs of wear or corrosion. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the circuit and ensure proper voltage is reaching the turn signal.

4. What are some DIY repair tips for addressing OBDII code B3950 in a Saturn related to the left rear turn signal circuit?

- DIY repair tips include replacing the left rear turn signal bulb if it is burnt out, repairing any damaged wiring, ensuring proper grounding of the turn signal components, and resetting the fault code using an OBDII scanner.

5. Can a malfunctioning left rear turn signal circuit impact the overall safety of driving a Saturn?

- Yes, a malfunctioning left rear turn signal can compromise the visibility of your vehicle to other drivers, potentially leading to accidents or traffic violations. It is important to address this issue promptly.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B3950 in a Saturn affecting the left rear turn signal circuit?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific issue causing the code. Replacing a turn signal bulb may cost around $10-$20, while more complex repairs involving wiring or components can range from $50 to a few hundred dollars at a repair shop.

7. Is it safe to continue driving a Saturn with OBDII code B3950 related to the left rear turn signal circuit?

- It is not recommended to drive with a malfunctioning turn signal, as it can pose a safety hazard to you and other drivers on the road. Promptly address the issue to ensure your vehicle's safety and compliance with traffic laws.

8. How long does it usually take to repair OBDII code B3950 in a Saturn associated with the left rear turn signal circuit?

- The repair time can vary depending on the complexity of the issue. Simple fixes like replacing a bulb can be done in a matter of minutes, while more involved repairs may take an hour or more to complete.

9. Can I reset the OBDII code B3950 in a Saturn for the left rear turn signal circuit without repairing the issue?

- While you can reset the fault code using an OBDII scanner, it is not recommended to do so without addressing the underlying problem. Resetting the code without fixing the issue will not resolve the turn signal malfunction and may lead to further complications.

10. Are there any preventive maintenance measures I can take to avoid encountering OBDII code B3950 in my Saturn related to the left rear turn signal circuit?

- Regularly inspecting and replacing turn signal bulbs, checking the condition of wiring harnesses, and addressing any turn signal issues promptly can help prevent the occurrence of OBDII code B3950 in the future.