AutoCodes – Generic – B1338

B1338 Code - Door Ajar Right Rear Circuit Short To Ground

Quick Answer

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Door Ajar Right Rear Switch. Common causes include Faulty Door Ajar Right Rear Switch, Door Ajar Right Rear Switch harness is open or shorted, Door Ajar Right Rear Switch circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical. The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.

What it means: B1338 indicates Door Ajar Right Rear Circuit Short To Ground.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Door Ajar Right Rear Switch, Door Ajar Right Rear Switch harness is open or shorted, Door Ajar Right Rear Switch circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical.
Can I drive?: The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.

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Code Popularity 13,357

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Low (Monitor) (1 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Dec 12, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1338 Description

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Door Ajar Right Rear Switch. The BCM sets the OBDII code when the Door Ajar Right Rear Switch is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code B1338 - Door Ajar Right Rear Circuit Short To Ground - AutoCodes.com — B1338 Code - Door Ajar Right Rear Circuit Short To Ground

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1338?

Faulty Door Ajar Right Rear Switch
Door Ajar Right Rear Switch harness is open or shorted
Door Ajar Right Rear Switch circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1338?

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 B1338 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 B1338 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1338 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1338 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B1338 Infiniti — Front Door Satellite Sensor Right Communication Error
B1338 Nissan — Front Door Satellite Sensor Right Communication Error

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 B1338 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1338 (Door Ajar Right Rear Circuit Short To Ground)?

The common symptoms include the right rear door ajar warning light staying on, interior lights not turning off, and potential issues with the power door locks.

2. What could cause the OBDII code B1338 to appear?

This code is typically triggered by a short to ground in the wiring of the right rear door ajar circuit, which could be caused by damaged wiring, faulty door ajar switch, or a problem with the body control module.

3. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B1338?

To diagnose the problem, you can start by visually inspecting the wiring harness, checking the right rear door ajar switch for proper functioning, and using a multimeter to test for a short to ground in the circuit.

4. Are there any quick repair tips for fixing OBDII code B1338?

Quick repair tips include checking and repairing any damaged wiring, replacing a faulty right rear door ajar switch, and resetting the body control module after making necessary repairs.

5. Can OBDII code B1338 cause any other problems in the vehicle?

While the code itself may not directly affect the vehicle's performance, leaving the issue unresolved can drain the battery due to lights staying on, and potentially lead to other electrical malfunctions.

6. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code B1338 present?

It is generally safe to drive with this code, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent any further electrical problems in the vehicle.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1338?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the underlying cause, but it may range from $100 to $300, including parts and labor.

8. Can I reset the OBDII code B1338 without fixing the underlying issue?

While you can clear the code using an OBDII scanner, it is crucial to address the root cause of the problem to prevent the code from reappearing.

9. How long does it take to repair OBDII code B1338?

The repair time can vary based on the extent of the issue and the expertise of the technician, but it typically takes around 1-2 hours to diagnose and fix the problem.

10. Will fixing OBDII code B1338 require specialized tools or expertise?

While basic automotive repair knowledge is helpful, fixing this code may require specialized tools like a multimeter and potentially expertise in electrical diagnostics to pinpoint and resolve the issue accurately.