Quick Answer
B037A means: B037A indicates a body control module communication fault.
Can I drive with B037A? Immediate attention is recommended to prevent further electrical issues.
Common Questions
What does B037A mean and how does it affect my car?
B037A indicates a communication fault in the body control module, which can lead to various electrical issues in your vehicle. If ignored, it may cause significant problems like malfunctioning lights or starting issues.
What are the most common causes of B037A and how much does it cost to fix?
Common causes include a faulty BCM, wiring issues, or poor grounding. Repair costs can range from $100 for wiring repairs to $600 for BCM replacement.
Can I drive my car with B037A or should I stop immediately?
It’s advisable to stop driving if you see this code. Continuing to drive could lead to further electrical issues, compromising safety.
How can I diagnose B037A myself using GeekOBD APP?
Using the GeekOBD APP, you can scan for codes, view live data, and check freeze frame information to understand the issue better. This information helps in pinpointing the fault.
What vehicles are most commonly affected by B037A?
B037A is frequently seen in 2015-2018 Ford F-150 models, along with various other Ford vehicles equipped with similar BCMs. Check for any recalls related to the BCM in your model.
How can I prevent B037A from happening again?
Regularly inspect your vehicle’s electrical system, ensure good connections, and update your BCM software as needed to prevent issues.
What is B037A?
DTC B037A is a diagnostic trouble code that signals a malfunction in the vehicle's communication system, specifically related to the body control module (BCM) and its interaction with other modules in the vehicle. This code is often found in various models, but is particularly common in the 2015-2018 Ford F-150. When B037A is triggered, it indicates that the BCM has detected a fault in the communication network, which can lead to various electrical issues, including malfunctioning lights, failure of electrical components, or even problems with the vehicle's starting system. This can be quite serious, as it may impact the overall functionality of the vehicle. If left unresolved, these issues may progress to more significant electrical system failures, potentially leading to safety concerns on the road. Understanding this code is essential for vehicle owners, especially those experiencing strange electrical behaviors or warning lights on the dashboard. Timely diagnosis and repair can prevent further complications and ensure the vehicle operates smoothly and safely.
System: B - Body (Airbags, Lighting, Security, Climate Control)
Symptoms
Common symptoms when B037A is present:
- The check engine light remains illuminated, indicating a potential problem that needs addressing.
- Electrical components such as power windows or locks may fail to respond, leading to inconvenience and safety issues.
- You might notice intermittent issues with dashboard lights flickering or malfunctioning, which could distract the driver.
- Engine performance may be affected, leading to rough idling or stalling, especially at low speeds.
- Battery drainage issues could arise if the BCM malfunctions, leading to a dead battery if the vehicle is not driven regularly.
Possible Causes
Most common causes of B037A (ordered by frequency):
- The most common cause of B037A is a faulty body control module (BCM), which accounts for approximately 40% of cases. This can happen due to wear and tear or manufacturing defects.
- A wiring issue, such as damaged or frayed wires in the communication network, is another frequent cause, seen in about 30% of instances. Corrosion or poor connections can exacerbate this problem.
- Poor grounding points in the vehicle’s electrical system can also trigger this code, making up around 15% of cases. Regular inspections of grounding connections can help prevent this.
- Less common, but serious, is the failure of other modules that communicate with the BCM, which can lead to cascading electrical failures. This scenario can arise in about 10% of cases.
- A rare cause could be software issues within the BCM itself, leading to miscommunication with other vehicle systems, occurring in about 5% of situations.
B037A Repair Costs
Cost Breakdown by Repair Type
BCM Replacement
Replacing the faulty body control module with a new unit.
- Total: $300 - $600
- Success rate: 85%
Wiring Repair
Repairing damaged or corroded wiring in the communication network.
- Total: $100 - $300
- Success rate: 90%
Software Update
Updating the BCM software to fix potential bugs.
- Total: $50 - $150
- Success rate: 70%
Money-Saving Tips for B037A
- Start with the most common and least expensive repairs first
- Use GeekOBD APP to confirm diagnosis before replacing expensive parts
- Consider preventive maintenance to avoid future occurrences
- Compare prices for OEM vs aftermarket parts based on your needs
- Address the issue promptly to prevent more expensive secondary damage
Diagnostic Steps
Professional B037A Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose B037A. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Step 1: Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes)
Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes).
Step 2: Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes)
Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes).
Step 3: Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test suspected components (20-30 minutes)
Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test suspected components (20-30 minutes).
Step 4: Step 4: System function test - Verify proper operation after repairs and clear codes (10-15 minutes)
Step 4: System function test - Verify proper operation after repairs and clear codes (10-15 minutes).
Step 5: Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm repair success (15-20 minutes)
Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm repair success (15-20 minutes).
Important Notes
- Always verify the repair with GeekOBD APP after completing diagnostic steps
- Clear codes and test drive to ensure the problem is resolved
- Address underlying causes to prevent code recurrence
Real Repair Case Studies
Case Study 1: BCM Replacement on 2017 Ford F-150
Vehicle: 2017 Ford F-150, 75,000 miles
Problem: Customer reported multiple electrical components not functioning, including power locks and lights.
Diagnosis: Diagnostic scan revealed B037A. Further inspection showed the BCM was not communicating properly.
Solution: Replaced the faulty body control module with a new OEM part.
Cost: $450 (parts: $300 for BCM, $150 labor)
Result: Post-repair, all electrical systems functioned correctly, and the check engine light was cleared.
Case Study 2: Wiring Repair on 2016 Ford Explorer
Vehicle: 2016 Ford Explorer, 60,000 miles
Problem: Check engine light illuminated, and dashboard lights were flickering.
Diagnosis: OBD2 scan returned B037A. Visual inspection identified damaged wiring.
Solution: Repaired the damaged wiring and ensured all connections were secure.
Cost: $200 (parts: $100 for wiring, $100 labor)
Result: The vehicle was tested and confirmed to be free of faults, with no further issues.