What Does B1814 Mean?
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected an electrical fault in the relay coil circuit that controls the rear wiper motor's downward (park) position. The BCM monitors the relay coil for proper voltage and current flow, and has identified an open circuit, short circuit, or excessive resistance preventing the relay from operating correctly. This affects the rear wiper system's ability to properly park the wiper blade in its rest position.
Common Causes
35%
Failed rear wiper motor down relay with open or shorted coil windings
30%
Damaged wiring harness or corroded connector between BCM and rear wiper relay
20%
BCM internal driver circuit failure for relay control
10%
Blown fuse or fusible link in relay coil power supply circuit
5%
Poor ground connection at relay or BCM ground point
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Locate the rear wiper relay assembly (typically in underhood fuse box or rear compartment) and perform visual inspection for corrosion, water intrusion, damaged connectors, or burnt relay. Check associated fuse with test light or multimeter for continuity.
2
Step 2: With ignition on, use a multimeter to measure voltage at relay coil power supply terminal (should read battery voltage). Then check for continuity between relay coil ground terminal and chassis ground (should read less than 1 ohm resistance).
3
Step 3: Disconnect relay and measure coil resistance across relay terminals with multimeter (typical specification 70-120 ohms). If out of spec or open circuit, replace relay. If within spec, reconnect and monitor voltage drop across coil during wiper operation.
4
Step 4: Backprobe BCM connector at relay control circuit pin with multimeter while commanding rear wiper function. BCM should provide ground path or switched power (manufacturer-specific). If no signal present, inspect wiring harness for breaks or shorts between BCM and relay.
5
Step 5: If wiring and relay test good, measure resistance in complete circuit from BCM to relay including all connectors. Values exceeding 5 ohms indicate high resistance requiring connector cleaning or harness repair.
6
Step 6: After repairs, clear codes and cycle rear wiper through all functions multiple times. Verify wiper parks correctly in down position and code does not return. Road test in wet conditions if possible to confirm proper operation under load.
Estimated Repair Cost
$75 - $450
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected an electrical fault in the relay coil circuit that controls the rear wiper motor's downward (park) position. The BCM monitors the relay coil for proper voltage and current flow, and has identified an open circuit, short circuit, or exces...
The most common cause of B1814 (Wiper Rear Motor Down Relay Coil Circuit Failure) is: Failed rear wiper motor down relay with open or shorted coil windings
Typical repair costs for B1814 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 only affects rear window visibility cleaning capability. Repair is not urgent but should be completed before weather conditions requiring rear wiper use, particularly important for SUVs and hatchbacks with rear-facing visibility concerns.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B1814 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Body Electrical / Rear Wiper System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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