B2566
Low Severity (Level 1)Right Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground
B2566 usually means right Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground.
Can you still drive with B2566?
✅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
- Tail/brake lights blowing fuses when activated
- Tail/brake lights not working or completely dead
- Zero voltage on the taillight/brake light system circuit — short pulls signal to ground
- Fault may be intermittent — code may clear itself and reappear
- Reduced vehicle functionality related to the taillight/brake light system
Possible Causes
- Chafed or pinched wire in the taillight/brake light system circuit — wire insulation worn through, copper touching vehicle chassis/ground
- Failed brake light switch/bulb 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 ($33-146 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the taillight/brake light system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $54 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 ($84-348 depending on accessibility)
- If brake light switch/bulb is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($5-200)
- Clean all ground points related to the taillight/brake light system — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($72-100 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 B2566 mean?
B2566 stands for "Right Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground". B2566 usually means right Tail Lamp Circuit Short to Ground.
Can you drive with B2566?
Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
How much does it cost to fix B2566?
Repair costs for B2566 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 ($33-146 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the taillight/brake light system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $54 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 ($84-348 depending on accessibility).
Will B2566 clear itself?
Explore Repair Costs
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