B1354
Moderate Severity (Level 3)Ignition Key-In Circuit Short To Ground
B1354 usually means ignition Key-In Circuit Short To Ground.
Can you still drive with B1354?
⚠️Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
Typical repair cost: $120 – $1000
Severity Level 3 — Moderate
This code indicates a moderate issue that may affect vehicle performance and fuel economy. Continued driving is possible in most cases, but prompt diagnosis and repair are recommended to prevent further damage.
Common Symptoms
- Engine cranks but won't start — immobilizer preventing start
- Key/ignition blowing fuses when activated
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Zero voltage on the key/immobilizer system circuit — short pulls signal to ground
Possible Causes
- Chafed or pinched wire in the key/immobilizer system circuit — wire insulation worn through, copper touching vehicle chassis/ground
- Failed immobilizer antenna 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 ($39-109 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the key/immobilizer system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $63 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 ($105-484 depending on accessibility)
- If immobilizer antenna is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($100-800)
- Clean all ground points related to the key/immobilizer system — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($75-112 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 B1354 mean?
B1354 stands for "Ignition Key-In Circuit Short To Ground". B1354 usually means ignition Key-In Circuit Short To Ground.
Can you drive with B1354?
Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
How much does it cost to fix B1354?
Repair costs for B1354 typically range from $120 to $1000, 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 ($39-109 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the key/immobilizer system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $63 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 ($105-484 depending on accessibility).
Will B1354 clear itself?
Explore Repair Costs
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