B1983

Q: Will B1983 clear itself?

B1983 may clear itself after a few drive cycles if the underlying issue was temporary (such as a loose gas cap or minor sensor glitch). However, if the underlying problem persists, the code will return. It's best to have the vehicle diagnosed even if the light goes off.

Low Severity (Level 1)

Driver''s Door Unlock Relay Circuit Short to Battery

B1983 usually means driver''s Door Unlock Relay Circuit Short to Battery.

Can you still drive with B1983?

✅Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.

Typical repair cost: $100 – $600

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

Power door locks not responding to key fob or interior switch
Door locks cycling (locking/unlocking) on their own while driving
Power door locks not responding to controls — stuck in one state
Excessive current draw on the power door lock/latch system circuit (fuse may blow repeatedly)

Possible Causes

Damaged wiring in the power door lock/latch system harness shorted to a 12V power source — wiring insulation chafed through from rubbing against metal body panels
Water intrusion or corrosion in power door lock/latch system electrical connector causing internal short to battery voltage
Failed door lock actuator — internal short to power within the component
Aftermarket accessory installation tapped into the wrong circuit, back-feeding 12V
Broken wire in the door jamb wiring boot — harness flexes every time the door opens, eventually wires break inside the rubber boot

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 ($1-91 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
Visually inspect the power door lock/latch system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $132 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 ($164-495 depending on accessibility)
If door lock actuator is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($80-500)
Clean all ground points related to the power door lock/latch system — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($38-146 at shop)

Estimated Repair Cost

$100 – $600(typical range; varies by vehicle make and model)

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 B1983 mean?

B1983 stands for "Driver''s Door Unlock Relay Circuit Short to Battery". B1983 usually means driver''s Door Unlock Relay Circuit Short to Battery.

Can you drive with B1983?

Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.

How much does it cost to fix B1983?

Repair costs for B1983 typically range from $100 to $600, 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 ($1-91 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the power door lock/latch system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $132 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 ($164-495 depending on accessibility).

Will B1983 clear itself?

Related Repair Costs

Battery Replacement Cost

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Related OBD-II Codes

These codes are in the same range as B1983 and often share similar causes and fixes.

B0001— Driver Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control B0002— Driver Frontal Stage 2 Deployment Control B0003— Driver Frontal Stage 3 Deployment Control B0004— Driver Knee Bolster Deployment Control B0005— Collapsible Steering Column Deployment Control

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