B2338
Low Severity (Level 1)Mirror Switch Assembly Circuit Short to Battery
B2338 usually means mirror Switch Assembly Circuit Short to Battery.
Can you still drive with B2338?
✅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
- Battery draining overnight or when vehicle is parked
- Power mirrors won't adjust — stuck in current position
- Mirror defrost/heater not working
- Excessive current draw on the power mirror system circuit (fuse may blow repeatedly)
Possible Causes
- Damaged wiring in the power mirror system harness shorted to a 12V power source — wiring insulation chafed through from rubbing against metal body panels
- Water intrusion or corrosion in power mirror system electrical connector causing internal short to battery voltage
- Failed mirror motor — 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 ($41-102 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, $99 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 ($114-258 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 ($54-139 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 B2338 mean?
B2338 stands for "Mirror Switch Assembly Circuit Short to Battery". B2338 usually means mirror Switch Assembly Circuit Short to Battery.
Can you drive with B2338?
Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
How much does it cost to fix B2338?
Repair costs for B2338 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 ($41-102 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, $99 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 ($114-258 depending on accessibility).
Will B2338 clear itself?
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