B1338
Low Severity (Level 1)Door Ajar RR Circuit Short To Ground
B1338 usually means door Ajar RR Circuit Short To Ground.
Can you still drive with B1338?
✅Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
Typical repair cost: $100 – $600
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
- Door locks cycling (locking/unlocking) on their own while driving
- Power door locks not responding to key fob or interior switch
- Power door locks blowing fuses when activated
- Zero voltage on the power door lock/latch system circuit — short pulls signal to ground
Possible Causes
- Chafed or pinched wire in the power door lock/latch system circuit — wire insulation worn through, copper touching vehicle chassis/ground
- Failed door lock actuator 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
- Broken wire in the door jamb wiring boot — harness flexes every time the door opens, eventually wires break inside the rubber boot
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 ($43-92 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the power door lock/latch system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $76 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 ($119-242 depending on accessibility)
- If door lock actuator is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($80-500)
- Clean all ground points related to the power door lock/latch system — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($77-143 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 B1338 mean?
B1338 stands for "Door Ajar RR Circuit Short To Ground". B1338 usually means door Ajar RR Circuit Short To Ground.
Can you drive with B1338?
Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
How much does it cost to fix B1338?
Repair costs for B1338 typically range from $100 to $600, 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 ($43-92 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the power door lock/latch system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $76 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 ($119-242 depending on accessibility).
Will B1338 clear itself?
Explore Repair Costs
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