B1533
Serious Severity (Level 4)Memory 1 Switch Circuit Short To Battery
B1533 usually means memory 1 Switch Circuit Short To Battery.
Can you still drive with B1533?
⚠️Limited driving — get to a repair shop within 1–2 days. Avoid long trips and highway speeds.
Typical repair cost: $180 – $2400
Severity Level 4 — Serious
This code indicates a serious issue that can cause noticeable driveability problems and potential engine damage if not addressed. The vehicle should be taken to a mechanic as soon as possible. Extended driving is not recommended.
Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Control module not responding to controls — stuck in one state
- Control module staying on or functioning when they shouldn't (powered continuously)
- Excessive current draw on the control module memory system circuit (fuse may blow repeatedly)
Possible Causes
- Damaged wiring in the control module memory system harness shorted to a 12V power source — wiring insulation chafed through from rubbing against metal body panels
- Water intrusion or corrosion in control module memory system electrical connector causing internal short to battery voltage
- Failed control module (PCM/BCM) — 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 ($3-133 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the control module memory system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $147 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 ($174-297 depending on accessibility)
- If control module (PCM/BCM) is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($150-2000)
- Clean all ground points related to the control module memory system — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($79-198 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 B1533 mean?
B1533 stands for "Memory 1 Switch Circuit Short To Battery". B1533 usually means memory 1 Switch Circuit Short To Battery.
Can you drive with B1533?
Limited driving — get to a repair shop within 1–2 days. Avoid long trips and highway speeds.
How much does it cost to fix B1533?
Repair costs for B1533 typically range from $180 to $2400, 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 ($3-133 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the control module memory system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $147 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 ($174-297 depending on accessibility).
Will B1533 clear itself?
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