What Does B1449 Mean?
This code indicates that the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected an electrical short to ground in the wiper park sense circuit. The park sense circuit monitors the position of the wiper motor to ensure wipers return to their proper parked position when turned off. The BCM has identified that voltage in this circuit is being pulled to ground when it should read a specific reference voltage or signal.
Common Causes
45%
Damaged or chafed wiring harness causing short to ground between wiper motor and BCM
30%
Failed wiper motor park switch or internal short within motor assembly
15%
Corroded or damaged wiper motor connector causing intermittent ground short
10%
Failed or internally shorted Body Control Module (BCM)
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of wiper motor connector and wiring harness from motor to BCM, checking for damaged insulation, corrosion, water intrusion, or wires pinched against ground points
2
Step 2: Disconnect wiper motor connector and measure resistance from park sense circuit wire (refer to wiring diagram for specific pin) to vehicle ground using digital multimeter; reading should be infinite ohms (open circuit) indicating no short
3
Step 3: If Step 2 shows continuity to ground, isolate whether short is in harness or motor by disconnecting BCM connector and measuring resistance again; if short remains, harness is faulty; if short disappears, motor or BCM is faulty
4
Step 4: If harness tests good, reconnect harness and measure resistance of park sense terminal at wiper motor with motor disconnected; resistance should match manufacturer specification (typically 100-300 ohms); zero ohms indicates internal motor short
5
Step 5: Test BCM park sense circuit by applying reference voltage (typically 5V or 12V per service manual) through a test resistor and monitor for proper signal return; abnormal readings indicate BCM fault
6
Step 6: After repairs, clear codes, cycle wipers through multiple on/off cycles and verify wipers park correctly and code does not return
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $650
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates that the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected an electrical short to ground in the wiper park sense circuit. The park sense circuit monitors the position of the wiper motor to ensure wipers return to their proper parked position when turned off. The BCM has identified that volt...
The most common cause of B1449 (Wiper Park Sense Circuit Short To Ground) is: Damaged or chafed wiring harness causing short to ground between wiper motor and BCM
Typical repair costs for B1449 range from $150 to $650, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Vehicle is safe to drive as this only affects wiper parking function. Wipers may not return to proper rest position when turned off, potentially obstructing driver vision when parked, but basic wiper operation typically remains functional.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B1449 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Wiper/Washer System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
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