B2196
Low Severity (Level 1)Passenger Window Up / Down Power Circuit Short to Ground
B2196 usually means passenger Window Up / Down Power Circuit Short to Ground.
Can you still drive with B2196?
✅Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
Typical repair cost: $120 – $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 windows blowing fuses when activated
- Window moves slowly or only works from one switch
- Power window won't go up or down — stuck in current position
- Zero voltage on the power window system circuit — short pulls signal to ground
Possible Causes
- Chafed or pinched wire in the power window system circuit — wire insulation worn through, copper touching vehicle chassis/ground
- Failed window motor/regulator 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
- Window regulator mechanical failure — cable snapped or pulley broken, motor runs but glass doesn't move
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 ($12-97 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the power window system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $149 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 ($173-316 depending on accessibility)
- If window motor/regulator is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($100-500)
- Clean all ground points related to the power window system — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($35-158 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 B2196 mean?
B2196 stands for "Passenger Window Up / Down Power Circuit Short to Ground". B2196 usually means passenger Window Up / Down Power Circuit Short to Ground.
Can you drive with B2196?
Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
How much does it cost to fix B2196?
Repair costs for B2196 typically range from $120 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 ($12-97 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the power window system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $149 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 ($173-316 depending on accessibility).
Will B2196 clear itself?
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