AutoCodes – Oldsmobile – B1911 Oldsmobile

B1911 Oldsmobile Code - Generator L Terminal Malfunction

Quick Answer

The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1911 indicates a circuit malfunction is preventing the generator from charging. Common causes include Faulty Generator (Alternator), Generator harness is open or shorted, Generator 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: B1911 Oldsmobile indicates Generator L Terminal Malfunction.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Generator (Alternator), Generator harness is open or shorted, Generator 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 2,102

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 Jul 27, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1911 Oldsmobile Description

The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1911 indicates a circuit malfunction is preventing the generator from charging. DTC B1911 will set when the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) determines that the circuit is grounded by the generator with the ignition switch in the RUN position and engine speed is greater than 600 RPM. This test is only performed when the ignition switch is in the RUN position, IPC measures engine speed greater than 600 RPM and vehicle diagnostics is not active. When DTC B1911 is set, IPC will display BATTERY NOT CHARGING message and the battery indicator will illuminate.

OBDII Code B1911 Oldsmobile - Generator L Terminal Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — B1911 Oldsmobile Code - Generator L Terminal Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1911 Oldsmobile?

Faulty Generator (Alternator)
Generator harness is open or shorted
Generator circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC B1911 Oldsmobile?

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 B1911 Oldsmobile 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 B1911 Oldsmobile code?

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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 B1911 Oldsmobile Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1911 Oldsmobile (Generator L Terminal Malfunction)?

- Common symptoms include issues with the vehicle's charging system, such as the battery not charging properly or the battery light illuminating on the dashboard.

2. What could be causing the OBDII code B1911 Oldsmobile to trigger?

- The code may be triggered by a faulty generator, damaged wiring or connectors related to the generator L terminal, or a problem with the generator control module.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of the Generator L Terminal Malfunction (B1911) code?

- Diagnosing the issue involves checking the generator output voltage, inspecting the generator wiring and connectors, and testing the generator control module for proper function.

4. Can driving with the B1911 code cause further damage to my vehicle?

- Continuing to drive with the B1911 code may lead to a drained battery, which can eventually cause the vehicle to stall or fail to start.

5. What are some repair tips for fixing the Generator L Terminal Malfunction (B1911) code?

- Repair tips may include checking and repairing any damaged wiring, replacing the generator if necessary, and ensuring all connections are secure and free of corrosion.

6. Is it safe to reset the B1911 code without addressing the underlying issue?

- It is not recommended to simply reset the code without addressing the root cause, as the problem will likely persist and potentially lead to more serious issues over time.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the Generator L Terminal Malfunction (B1911) code?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may involve labor costs for diagnosis and repair, as well as the cost of any necessary parts.

8. Can I fix the B1911 code myself, or should I take my vehicle to a professional mechanic?

- While some DIY enthusiasts may be able to diagnose and repair the issue themselves, it is generally recommended to seek the expertise of a professional mechanic for accurate diagnosis and repair.

9. Are there any preventive measures I can take to avoid the Generator L Terminal Malfunction (B1911) code in the future?

- Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance, such as checking the battery and charging system, can help prevent issues that may lead to the B1911 code.

10. How urgent is it to address the Generator L Terminal Malfunction (B1911) code?

- It is advisable to address the issue promptly to avoid potential battery and electrical system problems that could leave you stranded or damage other components in the vehicle.