AutoCodes – Saturn – B1971 Saturn

B1971 Saturn Code - Inadvertent Power Fault

Quick Answer

If interior lights are accidentally left on, a Delayed Interior Lighting (DIL) feature provides automatic shutoff. Common causes include Faulty Inadvertent Power Relay, Inadvertent Power Relay harness is open or shorted, Inadvertent Power Relay 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: B1971 Saturn indicates Inadvertent Power Fault.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Inadvertent Power Relay, Inadvertent Power Relay harness is open or shorted, Inadvertent Power Relay 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 567

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 Aug 01, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code B1971 Saturn Description

If interior lights are accidentally left on, a Delayed Interior Lighting (DIL) feature provides automatic shutoff. The DIL relay is an integral component of the multifunction relay. When the ignition switch is in RUN position, The Body Control Module (BCM) continuously keeps output to DIL relay active. When the ignition switch is turned to OFF position, BCM will deactivate DIL relay output after 10 minutes. The 10-minute time-out period resets anytime BCM wakes up and any of the following states are detected:
- A door is opened or closed, or driver door unlock message is received.
- The trunk is opened or closed.
- Interior lights are turned on. When DIL relay is energized, power is supplied to interior lights and high side of the interior light relay coil.
The BCM continuously monitors output to DIL relay. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1971 will set when output is commanded on or off, and short or open is detected for at least 2 seconds. When DTC B1971 is set, BCM will continue to command the requested state of relay until it is achieved or no longer necessary. DTC B1971 will clear when conditions for fault no longer exist or when scan tool is used. A history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles if conditions for fault no longer exist.

OBDII Code B1971 Saturn - Inadvertent Power Fault - AutoCodes.com — B1971 Saturn Code - Inadvertent Power Fault

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1971 Saturn?

Faulty Inadvertent Power Relay
Inadvertent Power Relay harness is open or shorted
Inadvertent Power Relay circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1971 Saturn?

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 B1971 Saturn 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 B1971 Saturn code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1971 Saturn code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1971 Saturn 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 B1971 Saturn Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1971 (Inadvertent Power Fault) in a Saturn?

The common symptoms of code B1971 in a Saturn include intermittent or complete loss of power to certain electrical components, such as the radio, power windows, or interior lights.

2. What can cause the OBDII code B1971 (Inadvertent Power Fault) to trigger in a Saturn?

Code B1971 typically triggers in a Saturn due to a wiring issue, such as a short circuit or open circuit, in the electrical system that is responsible for providing power to specific components.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B1971 (Inadvertent Power Fault) in my Saturn?

Diagnosing code B1971 involves inspecting the wiring harness and connectors related to the affected electrical components, checking for any visible damage, and using a multimeter to test for continuity and proper voltage.

4. What are some repair tips for addressing OBDII code B1971 (Inadvertent Power Fault) in a Saturn?

Repair tips for resolving code B1971 in a Saturn may include repairing any damaged wiring, replacing faulty connectors, resetting the fault codes, and performing a thorough inspection to ensure proper power supply to the affected components.

5. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the OBDII code B1971 (Inadvertent Power Fault) in a Saturn?

While some enthusiasts with experience in automotive electrical systems may be able to diagnose and repair code B1971 in a Saturn, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or technician for accurate diagnosis and repair to avoid potential safety hazards.

6. Is it safe to continue driving my Saturn with OBDII code B1971 (Inadvertent Power Fault) present?

It is generally not recommended to drive your Saturn with code B1971 present, as it can lead to unexpected loss of power to critical components, compromising the safety and functionality of the vehicle.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1971 (Inadvertent Power Fault) in a Saturn?

The cost of repairing code B1971 in a Saturn can vary depending on the extent of the wiring damage, the need for replacement parts, and the labor rates of the repair facility. It is advisable to obtain quotes from multiple sources for an accurate estimate.

8. Can extreme weather conditions contribute to triggering OBDII code B1971 (Inadvertent Power Fault) in a Saturn?

Extreme weather conditions, such as excessive heat or moisture, can potentially exacerbate existing electrical issues in a Saturn, leading to the triggering of code B1971. It is essential to keep the vehicle protected from such conditions.

9. Will disconnecting the battery reset the OBDII code B1971 (Inadvertent Power Fault) in a Saturn?

Disconnecting the battery may temporarily clear the fault code, but it will not address the underlying issue causing code B1971 in a Saturn. It is recommended to diagnose and repair the root cause of the code for a lasting solution.

10. How can I prevent OBDII code B1971 (Inadvertent Power Fault) from recurring in my Saturn?

To prevent code B1971 from recurring in your Saturn, regularly inspect the electrical wiring, connectors, and components for any signs of wear or damage, and address any issues promptly to maintain the integrity of the electrical system.