AutoCodes – Generic – B3951:02

B3951:02 Code - Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit Short to Ground

Quick Answer

Ground is applied at all times to the turn signal/multifunction switch. Common causes include Faulty Right Rear Turn Signal Lamp, Right Rear Turn Signal Lamp harness is open or shorted, Right 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: B3951:02 indicates Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit Short to Ground.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Right Rear Turn Signal Lamp, Right Rear Turn Signal Lamp harness is open or shorted, Right 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 206

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 B3951:02 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 ground in the right rear turn signal control circuit.

OBDII Code B3951:02 - Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit Short to Ground - AutoCodes.com — B3951:02 Code - Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit Short to Ground

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B3951:02?

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

How to Fix the DTC B3951:02?

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

B3951:01 Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit Short to Battery
B3951:02 Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit Short to Ground
B3951:04 Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit Open

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B3951:02 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 B3951:02 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B3951:02 (Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit Short to Ground)?

- Common symptoms include the right rear turn signal not working or flashing rapidly, dashboard indicator blinking quickly, or a blown fuse related to the turn signal circuit.

2. What can cause the OBDII code B3951:02 to appear?

- The code B3951:02 is triggered when there is a short to ground in the right rear turn signal circuit, which can be caused by damaged wiring, a faulty bulb socket, or a defective turn signal switch.

3. How can I diagnose the Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit Short to Ground issue?

- You can start by visually inspecting the wiring and bulb socket for any visible damage. Using a multimeter, check for continuity and resistance in the circuit to pinpoint the location of the short to ground.

4. What are the repair options for resolving OBDII code B3951:02?

- Repair options may include repairing or replacing damaged wiring, fixing the bulb socket, replacing the turn signal switch, or addressing any other component causing the short to ground in the right rear turn signal circuit.

5. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit Short to Ground issue?

- Depending on your experience and tools available, some DIY enthusiasts may be able to fix this issue by following a repair manual or online guides. However, if you are unsure, it is recommended to seek professional help.

6. Is it safe to continue driving with the OBDII code B3951:02 triggered?

- It is not recommended to drive with the right rear turn signal circuit short to ground as it can affect the visibility of your turn signals, posing a safety hazard to you and other drivers on the road.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code B3951:02 make the issue go away?

- Simply clearing the code without addressing the underlying problem will not resolve the issue. It is essential to diagnose and repair the right rear turn signal circuit short to ground to prevent the code from reappearing.

8. How much can I expect to pay for repairing the Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit Short to Ground issue?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the specific components that need to be replaced. It is advisable to obtain quotes from auto repair shops for an accurate estimate.

9. Are there any preventive measures to avoid the OBDII code B3951:02 in the future?

- Regularly inspecting your vehicle's turn signal system, checking for any signs of damage, and addressing issues promptly can help prevent the occurrence of a short to ground in the right rear turn signal circuit.

10. Can extreme weather conditions contribute to the Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit Short to Ground issue?

- Yes, extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, can sometimes lead to water intrusion and corrosion in the turn signal wiring, potentially causing a short to ground in the circuit.