AutoCodes – RAM – B1673 RAM

B1673 RAM Code - Power Liftgate Open Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch Performance

Quick Answer

The Secondary Ratchet Switch must remain closed when the liftgate is fully open or between full open and closed positions. Common causes include Binding Liftgate, Faulty Secondary Position Sensor, Secondary Position Sensor harness is open or shorted. 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: B1673 RAM indicates Power Liftgate Open Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Binding Liftgate, Faulty Secondary Position Sensor, Secondary Position Sensor harness is open or shorted.
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 594

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 13, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1673 RAM Description

The Secondary Ratchet Switch must remain closed when the liftgate is fully open or between full open and closed positions. The switch will open when the liftgate is fully closed and latched. This switch indicates when the latch is in secondary position. It is open when in secondary or primary positions and closed when out of secondary. The OBDII code sets when the ratchet secondary switch is still detected as open after 10% of liftgate travel during an opening operation.

OBDII Code B1673 RAM - Power Liftgate Open Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch Performance - AutoCodes.com — B1673 RAM Code - Power Liftgate Open Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1673 RAM?

Binding Liftgate
Faulty Secondary Position Sensor
Secondary Position Sensor harness is open or shorted
Secondary Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Power Liftgate Latch
Faulty Power Liftgate Module

How to Fix the DTC B1673 RAM?

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 B1673 RAM 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 B1673 RAM Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1673 RAM (Power Liftgate Open Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch Performance)?

- Common symptoms include difficulty opening or closing the power liftgate, erratic behavior of the liftgate mechanism, or a warning light on the dashboard.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1673 RAM?

- The code B1673 RAM can be triggered by issues with the power liftgate open direction ratchet secondary switch, such as a faulty switch, wiring problems, or a malfunctioning liftgate control module.

3. How can I diagnose the source of OBDII code B1673 RAM?

- To diagnose the issue, you can use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the trouble codes, inspect the power liftgate components for any visible damage or loose connections, and test the functionality of the ratchet secondary switch.

4. What are some repair tips for OBDII code B1673 RAM?

- Repair tips may include checking and replacing the power liftgate open direction ratchet secondary switch, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, resetting the liftgate control module, and clearing the trouble codes.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code B1673 RAM?

- It is generally safe to drive your vehicle with this code, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent any further damage to the power liftgate system.

6. Is OBDII code B1673 RAM a serious problem?

- While the code may not directly affect the drivability of the vehicle, it can lead to inconvenience and potential safety issues if the power liftgate fails to operate properly.

7. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code B1673 RAM?

- The cost of repairing OBDII code B1673 RAM can vary depending on the underlying cause, but it may involve replacing the power liftgate switch, repairing wiring, or reprogramming the liftgate control module.

8. Can I reset OBDII code B1673 RAM without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the trouble code temporarily, it is important to address the root cause of the issue to prevent it from recurring and ensure the proper functioning of the power liftgate.

9. Are there any recalls related to OBDII code B1673 RAM?

- It is advisable to check with the vehicle manufacturer or authorized dealerships for any recalls or service bulletins related to OBDII code B1673 RAM, as they may offer solutions or assistance with the repair.

10. How can I prevent OBDII code B1673 RAM from occurring again in the future?

- Regular maintenance of the power liftgate system, including checking for proper operation, keeping components clean and well-lubricated, and addressing any issues promptly, can help prevent the recurrence of OBDII code B1673 RAM.