B2401
Low Severity (Level 1)Audio Tape Deck Mechanism Fault
B2401 usually means audio Tape Deck Mechanism Fault.
Can you still drive with B2401?
✅Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
Typical repair cost: $100 – $1500
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
- Radio/infotainment screen blank or frozen
- No sound from speakers — or sound cutting in and out
- Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) stored in module memory
- Fault may be intermittent — code may clear itself and reappear
- Reduced vehicle functionality related to the audio/infotainment system
Possible Causes
- Faulty audio module — most common cause, test before replacing
- Damaged or corroded wiring/connector in the audio/infotainment system circuit
- Blown fuse or faulty relay for the audio/infotainment system
- Poor ground connection — check and clean all related ground points
- Control module fault — rare but possible, only consider after ruling out simpler causes
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 ($12-150 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the audio/infotainment system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $138 diagnostic fee at shop)
- Replace audio module if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($100-1500)
- Check and replace any blown fuses in the audio/infotainment system fuse circuit — if fuse blows again, there's still a short that needs to be found ($3-17 for fuses)
- Perform a wiggle test on the audio/infotainment system wiring harness while monitoring live data — see if the fault returns when you move the harness at different points ($0-121 diagnostic labor)
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 B2401 mean?
B2401 stands for "Audio Tape Deck Mechanism Fault". B2401 usually means audio Tape Deck Mechanism Fault.
Can you drive with B2401?
Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
How much does it cost to fix B2401?
Repair costs for B2401 typically range from $100 to $1500, 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 ($12-150 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the audio/infotainment system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $138 diagnostic fee at shop); Replace audio module if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($100-1500).
Will B2401 clear itself?
Explore Repair Costs
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