B1481
Low Severity (Level 2)Wiper Washer Fluid Level Sensor Circuit Short To Battery
B1481 usually means wiper Washer Fluid Level Sensor Circuit Short To Battery.
Can you still drive with B1481?
⚠️Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
Typical repair cost: $60 – $500
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
- Windshield wipers not working, stuck mid-cycle, or only working on one speed
- Windshield wipers staying on or functioning when they shouldn't (powered continuously)
- Windshield wipers not responding to controls — stuck in one state
- Excessive current draw on the wiper/washer system circuit (fuse may blow repeatedly)
Possible Causes
- Damaged wiring in the wiper/washer system harness shorted to a 12V power source — wiring insulation chafed through from rubbing against metal body panels
- Water intrusion or corrosion in wiper/washer system electrical connector causing internal short to battery voltage
- Failed wiper motor — 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 ($45-82 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the wiper/washer system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $69 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 ($139-390 depending on accessibility)
- If wiper motor is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($50-400)
- Clean all ground points related to the wiper/washer system — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($49-150 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 B1481 mean?
B1481 stands for "Wiper Washer Fluid Level Sensor Circuit Short To Battery". B1481 usually means wiper Washer Fluid Level Sensor Circuit Short To Battery.
Can you drive with B1481?
Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
How much does it cost to fix B1481?
Repair costs for B1481 typically range from $60 to $500, 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 ($45-82 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the wiper/washer system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $69 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 ($139-390 depending on accessibility).
Will B1481 clear itself?
Related Repair Costs
Explore Repair Costs
Related OBD-II Codes
These codes are in the same range as B1481 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 B1481 discussions in the community