What Does B1695 Mean?
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected that the automatic headlamp control circuit is experiencing a short to battery voltage. The autolamp system, which automatically turns headlights on/off based on ambient light conditions, has an abnormal voltage present on the control circuit when it should be off or at a lower voltage. This typically means a wire in the autolamp circuit is touching a constant 12V power source somewhere in the harness.
Common Causes
45%
Damaged or chafed wiring harness causing the autolamp control wire to contact a power wire or battery voltage source
30%
Faulty headlamp switch or autolamp sensor with internal short to power
15%
Shorted autolamp relay or control module with internal component failure
10%
Water intrusion or corrosion in connectors causing cross-circuit short to battery voltage
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of the autolamp wiring harness from the BCM to the headlamp switch and ambient light sensor, looking for chafed, pinched, or damaged insulation, especially near sharp edges, brackets, and where harnesses pass through firewalls or bulkheads
2
Step 2: Disconnect the headlamp switch connector and use a multimeter to measure voltage on the autolamp control circuit at the BCM side with ignition on; if battery voltage (12V+) is still present with switch disconnected, the short is in the harness between BCM and switch
3
Step 3: If voltage drops to normal when switch is disconnected, measure resistance between the autolamp control pin and battery voltage pin at the headlamp switch connector; less than 10 ohms indicates internal switch short requiring switch replacement
4
Step 4: Check the ambient light sensor by disconnecting it and measuring for continuity between its signal wire and any power wires; continuity indicates sensor failure
5
Step 5: Inspect all connectors in the autolamp circuit for water intrusion, corrosion, or pushed-out pins that may be contacting adjacent power circuits; clean and repair as needed
6
Step 6: After repairs, clear codes, cycle the autolamp system through all modes, and verify battery voltage is no longer present on the control circuit when system is off; road test with multiple light cycles to confirm repair
Estimated Repair Cost
$100 - $450
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected that the automatic headlamp control circuit is experiencing a short to battery voltage. The autolamp system, which automatically turns headlights on/off based on ambient light conditions, has an abnormal voltage present on the control ci...
The most common cause of B1695 (Autolamp On Circuit Short To Battery) is: Damaged or chafed wiring harness causing the autolamp control wire to contact a power wire or battery voltage source
Typical repair costs for B1695 range from $100 to $450, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Vehicle is safe to drive as headlights can still be operated manually. However, automatic headlamp function may be disabled or lights may remain on continuously, potentially draining the battery if left unattended. Repair within 1-2 weeks is recommended.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B1695 to identify the root cause.
OBDHut Mobile App
Scan codes directly from your car with the OBDHut app.
Coming Soon
Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Exterior Lighting Control System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
A quality scan tool helps you read codes, view live data, and clear faults.