B1312
Low Severity (Level 1)Lamp Headlamp Input Circuit Short To Battery
B1312 usually means lamp Headlamp Input Circuit Short To Battery.
Can you still drive with B1312?
✅Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
Typical repair cost: $20 – $700
Severity Level 1 — 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
- Headlights staying on or functioning when they shouldn't (powered continuously)
- Headlights flickering, not working on one side, or not switching between high/low beam
- Headlight warning message on instrument cluster display
- Excessive current draw on the headlight system circuit (fuse may blow repeatedly)
Possible Causes
- Damaged wiring in the headlight system harness shorted to a 12V power source — wiring insulation chafed through from rubbing against metal body panels
- Water intrusion or corrosion in headlight system electrical connector causing internal short to battery voltage
- Failed headlight bulb/ballast — internal short to power within the component
- Aftermarket accessory installation tapped into the wrong circuit, back-feeding 12V
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 ($31-139 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the headlight system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $124 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 ($108-325 depending on accessibility)
- If headlight bulb/ballast is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($20-600)
- Clean all ground points related to the headlight system — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($32-189 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 B1312 mean?
B1312 stands for "Lamp Headlamp Input Circuit Short To Battery". B1312 usually means lamp Headlamp Input Circuit Short To Battery.
Can you drive with B1312?
Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
How much does it cost to fix B1312?
Repair costs for B1312 typically range from $20 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 ($31-139 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the headlight system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $124 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 ($108-325 depending on accessibility).
Will B1312 clear itself?
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