B1781
Low Severity (Level 1)Mirror Driver Down Short To Ground
B1781 usually means mirror Driver Down Short To Ground.
Can you still drive with B1781?
✅Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
Typical repair cost: $60 – $500
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
- Mirror defrost/heater not working
- Power mirrors not working or completely dead
- Power mirrors blowing fuses when activated
- Zero voltage on the power mirror system circuit — short pulls signal to ground
Possible Causes
- Chafed or pinched wire in the power mirror system circuit — wire insulation worn through, copper touching vehicle chassis/ground
- Failed mirror motor 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 ($17-100 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the power mirror 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 ($97-350 depending on accessibility)
- If mirror motor is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($50-400)
- Clean all ground points related to the power mirror system — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($47-163 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 B1781 mean?
B1781 stands for "Mirror Driver Down Short To Ground". B1781 usually means mirror Driver Down Short To Ground.
Can you drive with B1781?
Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
How much does it cost to fix B1781?
Repair costs for B1781 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 ($17-100 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the power mirror 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 ($97-350 depending on accessibility).
Will B1781 clear itself?
Explore Repair Costs
Related OBD-II Codes
These codes are in the same range as B1781 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 B1781 discussions in the community