What Does B1516 Mean?
B1516 indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected an electrical fault in the Driver Information Center (DIC) switch circuit. This circuit allows the driver to navigate and control the information display cluster through steering wheel or dash-mounted buttons. The BCM has identified either an open circuit, short circuit, or abnormal resistance in the switch wiring or switch assembly itself.
Common Causes
40%
Faulty DIC switch assembly with worn contacts or internal failure
30%
Damaged or corroded wiring harness between BCM and DIC switch, including connector pins
20%
Poor ground connection or open ground circuit for DIC switch
10%
Failed Body Control Module (BCM) with internal circuit damage
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of DIC switch assembly and all accessible wiring. Check for physical damage, liquid intrusion, or signs of corrosion on connectors. Disconnect and inspect connector terminals for bent pins, corrosion, or discoloration.
2
Step 2: Using a digital multimeter, test the DIC switch resistance values while pressing each button. Compare readings against manufacturer specifications (typically 100-5000 ohms depending on button). Infinite resistance or zero resistance indicates switch failure.
3
Step 3: With ignition off and switch disconnected, use multimeter to check continuity and resistance of wiring harness between DIC switch connector and BCM connector. Test each circuit individually for opens or shorts to ground/power. Expected reading should be less than 5 ohms for continuous circuits.
4
Step 4: Verify ground circuit integrity by checking resistance between switch ground pin and known good chassis ground (should be less than 1 ohm). Clean and tighten ground connections if resistance is elevated.
5
Step 5: If all wiring and grounds test properly, substitute known-good DIC switch assembly and clear codes. If fault persists with new switch and verified wiring, BCM replacement may be necessary.
6
Step 6: After repair, clear codes, perform key cycle, and operate all DIC switch functions to verify proper operation. Road test and confirm no code return.
Estimated Repair Cost
$75 - $450
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
B1516 indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected an electrical fault in the Driver Information Center (DIC) switch circuit. This circuit allows the driver to navigate and control the information display cluster through steering wheel or dash-mounted buttons. The BCM has identified either a...
The most common cause of B1516 (Driver Information Center (DIC) Switch Circuit) is: Faulty DIC switch assembly with worn contacts or internal failure
Typical repair costs for B1516 range from $75 to $450, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Safe to continue driving as this does not affect vehicle operation or safety systems. The DIC display may not respond to input commands, limiting access to trip information, settings, and diagnostic messages, but primary vehicle functions remain unaffected.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B1516 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Body Control and Driver Information System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
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