What Does B1316 Mean?
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected a short to ground in the battery saver relay coil circuit. The battery saver relay is designed to disconnect non-essential electrical loads when the battery voltage drops below a threshold to preserve battery life and ensure starting capability. The BCM detected abnormally low resistance or current flow to ground in the relay coil control circuit, preventing proper relay operation.
Common Causes
40%
Damaged wiring harness with chafed or pinched wire causing short to ground between BCM and battery saver relay
30%
Failed battery saver relay with internal coil short to ground or damaged coil windings
20%
Corrosion or water intrusion in relay socket or connector causing ground path
10%
Failed Body Control Module with shorted internal relay driver circuit
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of battery saver relay location, harness routing, and connectors for obvious damage, corrosion, water intrusion, or chafed wires. Check for any recent body work or accessory installations that may have damaged wiring.
2
Step 2: Remove battery saver relay and inspect relay socket terminals for corrosion, bent pins, or melted plastic. Using a digital multimeter, measure resistance of relay coil (typically between 50-120 ohms). If resistance is less than 5 ohms or shows continuity to ground, replace relay.
3
Step 3: With relay removed and ignition off, disconnect BCM connector controlling battery saver relay circuit. Using multimeter in ohms mode, check continuity between relay coil control wire at relay socket and ground. Reading should be infinite (open circuit). If continuity exists, locate and repair short to ground in wiring harness.
4
Step 4: If wiring tests good, reconnect BCM and measure voltage at relay coil control terminal with relay removed. Should see battery voltage or switching voltage when BCM commands relay. If voltage is always grounded (0V) with known good wiring, BCM internal driver circuit is likely failed and requires replacement.
5
Step 5: After repairs, clear codes, cycle ignition multiple times, and monitor live data for battery saver relay command and circuit status. Verify code does not return and relay operates properly during battery load testing.
Estimated Repair Cost
$100 - $650
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected a short to ground in the battery saver relay coil circuit. The battery saver relay is designed to disconnect non-essential electrical loads when the battery voltage drops below a threshold to preserve battery life and ensure starting cap...
The most common cause of B1316 (Battery Saver Relay Coil Circuit Short To Ground) is: Damaged wiring harness with chafed or pinched wire causing short to ground between BCM and battery saver relay
Typical repair costs for B1316 range from $100 to $650, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Vehicle is generally safe to drive short-term, but battery may not be protected from excessive drain when parked, potentially leading to no-start conditions. Repair within a week to prevent battery discharge and potential stranding.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B1316 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Body Electrical and Battery Management System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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