AutoCodesPontiac – B3951 Pontiac

B3951 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 926
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 17, 2023
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code B3951 Pontiac 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 Pontiac - Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit - AutoCodes.com
B3951 Pontiac Code - Right Rear Turn Signal Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B3951 Pontiac?

  • 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 Pontiac?

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 Pontiac 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 B3951 Pontiac code?

Need more information on how to fix the B3951 Pontiac code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B3951 Pontiac 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 B3951 Pontiac Code

1. What does OBDII code B3951 mean on a Pontiac?

Code B3951 indicates a problem with the right rear turn signal circuit, such as an open or short, preventing proper operation of the turn signal.

2. What are the common symptoms of code B3951 in a Pontiac?

Symptoms may include the right rear turn signal not functioning, a fast-flashing turn signal indicator on the dashboard, or warning lights like the check engine or service vehicle soon light.

3. What causes code B3951 in a Pontiac?

Common causes include a burned-out turn signal bulb, damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit, a faulty turn signal socket, or a malfunctioning body control module (BCM).

4. How do I fix OBDII code B3951 in my Pontiac?

Begin by inspecting and replacing the right rear turn signal bulb if needed. Check for damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion in the socket and repair as necessary. If the issue persists, the BCM may need to be tested or replaced.

5. Can I drive my Pontiac with code B3951 active?

You can drive with the code active, but it’s unsafe because the right rear turn signal won’t function properly, which can lead to accidents or traffic violations.

6. How do I diagnose code B3951 on a Pontiac?

Start by visually inspecting the bulb, socket, and wiring for damage or corrosion. Use a multimeter to test for continuity in the circuit and check for proper voltage at the socket. If no issues are found, scan the BCM for additional faults.

7. Will a blown fuse cause code B3951 in a Pontiac?

Yes, a blown fuse related to the turn signal circuit can cause this code. Check your vehicle's fuse box and replace any blown fuses.

8. Does a faulty BCM always cause code B3951?

Not always. While a faulty BCM can trigger this code, it’s more commonly caused by simpler issues like a bad bulb, damaged wiring, or corroded connectors.

9. How much does it cost to repair code B3951 in a Pontiac?

Repair costs vary. Replacing a bulb is inexpensive, costing around $10-$20, while repairing wiring or replacing the BCM can cost $100-$500 or more, depending on labor and parts.

10. Can I reset code B3951 without fixing the problem?

You can clear the code using an OBDII scanner, but it will likely return if the underlying issue isn’t resolved.

Discuss the causes and fixes for B3951 Pontiac OBDII Code

Code B3951 Pontiac comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play