B1801
Low Severity (Level 1)Lamp Turn Signal Front Output Circuit Short To Ground
B1801 usually means lamp Turn Signal Front Output Circuit Short To Ground.
Can you still drive with B1801?
✅Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
Typical repair cost: $10 – $200
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
- Turn signals not working or completely dead
- Turn signals blowing fuses when activated
- Zero voltage on the turn signal/hazard system circuit — short pulls signal to ground
- Fault may be intermittent — code may clear itself and reappear
- Reduced vehicle functionality related to the turn signal/hazard system
Possible Causes
- Chafed or pinched wire in the turn signal/hazard system circuit — wire insulation worn through, copper touching vehicle chassis/ground
- Failed turn signal flasher 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 ($29-110 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the turn signal/hazard system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $77 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 ($171-222 depending on accessibility)
- If turn signal flasher is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($10-200)
- Clean all ground points related to the turn signal/hazard system — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($71-178 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 B1801 mean?
B1801 stands for "Lamp Turn Signal Front Output Circuit Short To Ground". B1801 usually means lamp Turn Signal Front Output Circuit Short To Ground.
Can you drive with B1801?
Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
How much does it cost to fix B1801?
Repair costs for B1801 typically range from $10 to $200, 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 ($29-110 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the turn signal/hazard system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $77 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 ($171-222 depending on accessibility).
Will B1801 clear itself?
Explore Repair Costs
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