What Does B1362 Mean?
B1362 indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected an abnormal short to ground condition in the ignition run/accessory circuit. This circuit provides switched power to various electrical accessories when the ignition is in the RUN or ACC position. The BCM detected current flow to ground where none should exist, indicating damaged wiring, a faulty ignition switch, or internal BCM relay failure.
Common Causes
45%
Damaged or chafed wiring harness causing ignition run/acc circuit to contact ground, often at pinch points, body grounding locations, or where harness passes through firewall
30%
Faulty ignition switch with internal short to ground in run/accessory position contacts
15%
Corroded or damaged connector pins at ignition switch or BCM causing intermittent ground path
10%
Failed internal BCM relay or driver circuit for ignition run/acc power distribution
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of ignition switch wiring harness from switch to BCM, checking for damaged insulation, chafing, melted wires, or signs of shorting at pinch points, door hinges, and firewall penetrations
2
Step 2: Using a digital multimeter, disconnect the ignition switch connector and measure resistance from the run/acc circuit terminal (consult wiring diagram for pin identification) to chassis ground with ignition off - reading should be infinite resistance (open circuit)
3
Step 3: If resistance to ground is low (under 10 ohms), disconnect BCM connector and retest - if short disappears, BCM has internal fault; if short remains, wiring harness is shorted between ignition switch and BCM
4
Step 4: Check ignition switch operation by measuring continuity through switch terminals in OFF, ACC, and RUN positions while monitoring for unintended ground paths - compare readings to manufacturer specifications
5
Step 5: Inspect all intermediate connectors and splice points in circuit using terminal tension tool and dielectric grease - repair any corroded terminals or loose connections
6
Step 6: After repairs, clear codes, cycle ignition through all positions multiple times, and verify B1362 does not return - confirm all accessories receive proper power in RUN and ACC positions
Estimated Repair Cost
$100 - $650
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
B1362 indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected an abnormal short to ground condition in the ignition run/accessory circuit. This circuit provides switched power to various electrical accessories when the ignition is in the RUN or ACC position. The BCM detected current flow to ground wher...
The most common cause of B1362 (Ignition Run/Acc Circuit Short To Ground) is: Damaged or chafed wiring harness causing ignition run/acc circuit to contact ground, often at pinch points, body grounding locations, or where harness passes through firewall
Typical repair costs for B1362 range from $100 to $650, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Vehicle may experience intermittent loss of accessory power, no-start conditions, or blown fuses. Generally safe to drive short distances to repair facility, but electrical systems may be unreliable and vehicle may fail to start without warning.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B1362 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Body Electrical System / Ignition Power Distribution
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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