AutoCodesCadillac – B3951 Cadillac

B3951 Cadillac Code - Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit

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 Cadillac indicates Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit.
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 505
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 17, 2023
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Code B3951 Cadillac 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 right rear turn signal control circuit.
OBDII Code B3951 Cadillac - Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit - AutoCodes.com
B3951 Cadillac Code - Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B3951 Cadillac?

  • 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 Cadillac?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B3951 Cadillac 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 Cadillac Code

1. What does the OBDII code B3951 mean on a Cadillac?

B3951 indicates a fault in the right rear turn signal circuit, typically involving an open, short, or malfunction in the wiring or components controlling the turn signal.

2. What are the common symptoms of the B3951 code on a Cadillac?

Symptoms include the right rear turn signal not working, hyper-flashing of the turn signal indicator, or a warning on the dashboard about a turn signal malfunction.

3. What causes the B3951 code to appear?

Common causes include a burned-out turn signal bulb, faulty wiring, corroded connectors, a damaged turn signal socket, or a malfunctioning Body Control Module (BCM).

4. How can I confirm if the turn signal bulb is the issue for the B3951 code?

Inspect the right rear turn signal bulb for damage or burnout and replace it if necessary. Also, verify if the bulb socket is clean and free of corrosion.

5. Can a bad BCM cause the B3951 code on a Cadillac?

Yes, a malfunctioning Body Control Module can disrupt the turn signal circuit and trigger the B3951 code, but this is less common than wiring or bulb issues.

6. How do I troubleshoot the wiring for the B3951 code?

Inspect the wiring harness for the right rear turn signal for visible damage, corrosion, or disconnections. Repair or replace any damaged sections.

7. Is it safe to drive with the B3951 code on my Cadillac?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, a malfunctioning turn signal can create a safety hazard and should be repaired promptly to ensure proper signaling.

8. Can clearing the B3951 code fix the issue?

Clearing the code without addressing the underlying problem will likely cause the code to return. The fault in the circuit must be diagnosed and repaired first.

9. What tools are needed to diagnose the B3951 code?

You’ll need an OBDII scanner to read and clear codes, a multimeter to check for continuity and voltage in the circuit, and basic hand tools for bulb or wiring replacement.

10. How much does it cost to fix the B3951 code on a Cadillac?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue. Replacing a bulb may cost under $20, while fixing wiring or replacing a BCM could cost several hundred dollars, including labor.

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