B1216
Low Severity (Level 2)Emergency & Road Side Assistance Switch Circuit Short to Ground
B1216 usually means emergency & Road Side Assistance Switch Circuit Short to Ground.
Can you still drive with B1216?
⚠️Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
Typical repair cost: $60 – $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
- Body electronics blowing fuses when activated
- Body electronics not working or completely dead
- Zero voltage on the body electrical system circuit — short pulls signal to ground
- Fault may be intermittent — code may clear itself and reappear
- Reduced vehicle functionality related to the body electrical system
Possible Causes
- Chafed or pinched wire in the body electrical system circuit — wire insulation worn through, copper touching vehicle chassis/ground
- Failed body control module (BCM) or sensor 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 ($21-133 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the body electrical system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $122 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 ($193-372 depending on accessibility)
- If body control module (BCM) or sensor is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($50-600)
- Clean all ground points related to the body electrical system — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($77-105 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 B1216 mean?
B1216 stands for "Emergency & Road Side Assistance Switch Circuit Short to Ground". B1216 usually means emergency & Road Side Assistance Switch Circuit Short to Ground.
Can you drive with B1216?
Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
How much does it cost to fix B1216?
Repair costs for B1216 typically range from $60 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 ($21-133 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the body electrical system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $122 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 ($193-372 depending on accessibility).
Will B1216 clear itself?
Explore Repair Costs
Related OBD-II Codes
These codes are in the same range as B1216 and often share similar causes and fixes.
Worried about repair costs?
Get transparent estimates and verify your mechanic's quote before authorizing repairs.
Related Discussions
See what other car owners are saying about this code and related repairs.
View B1216 discussions in the community