B1204
Low Severity (Level 2)Fuel Sender Circuit Short To Ground
B1204 usually means fuel Sender Circuit Short To Ground.
Can you still drive with B1204?
⚠️Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
Typical repair cost: $120 – $700
Severity Level 2 — Low
This code indicates a minor issue that is unlikely to cause immediate driveability problems. You can typically continue driving but should have the vehicle inspected at your earliest convenience.
Common Symptoms
- Fuel gauge not working or completely dead
- Fuel gauge blowing fuses when activated
- Zero voltage on the fuel level sensor system circuit — short pulls signal to ground
- Fault may be intermittent — code may clear itself and reappear
- Reduced vehicle functionality related to the fuel level sensor system
Possible Causes
- Chafed or pinched wire in the fuel level sensor system circuit — wire insulation worn through, copper touching vehicle chassis/ground
- Failed fuel level sending unit with internal short to ground — most common when the component gets wet or overheats
- Corrosion in the electrical connector allowing current to leak to the connector shell/ground
- Damaged wiring harness where it passes through a body panel grommet or near a sharp metal edge
Common Fixes
- Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($35-88 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the fuel level sensor system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $55 diagnostic fee at shop)
- Repair or replace damaged section of wiring harness where short is located — solder and heat-shrink all connections, don't use crimp connectors on critical circuits ($195-418 depending on accessibility)
- If fuel level sending unit is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($100-600)
- Clean all ground points related to the fuel level sensor system — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($64-168 at shop)
Estimated Repair Cost
These are estimated costs based on generic repair data. Actual costs may vary depending on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B1204 mean?
B1204 stands for "Fuel Sender Circuit Short To Ground". B1204 usually means fuel Sender Circuit Short To Ground.
Can you drive with B1204?
Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
How much does it cost to fix B1204?
Repair costs for B1204 typically range from $120 to $700, depending on your vehicle make, model, and local labor rates. Common fixes include: Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($35-88 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the fuel level sensor system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $55 diagnostic fee at shop); Repair or replace damaged section of wiring harness where short is located — solder and heat-shrink all connections, don't use crimp connectors on critical circuits ($195-418 depending on accessibility).
Will B1204 clear itself?
Explore Repair Costs
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