Quick Answer
B1560 means: B1560 indicates a problem with the driver's door latch or its sensor.
Can I drive with B1560? It's advisable to address this issue soon to avoid potential battery drain and security problems.
Common Questions
What does B1560 mean and how does it affect my car?
B1560 indicates a problem with the driver's door latch or its sensor. If ignored, it can lead to security issues, such as the alarm triggering unexpectedly, and even battery drain due to malfunctioning electrical systems.
What are the most common causes of B1560 and how much does it cost to fix?
The most common cause of B1560 is a faulty door latch assembly, which may cost between $120 and $300 to replace. Other causes include wiring issues and BCM malfunction, with varying repair costs.
Can I drive my car with B1560 or should I stop immediately?
While you can drive the car with B1560, it's advisable to address the issue soon to prevent potential security risks and battery drain.
How can I diagnose B1560 myself using GeekOBD APP?
Using the GeekOBD APP, you can scan for trouble codes, review freeze frame data, and even conduct live data monitoring to assess the door latch's functionality.
What vehicles are most commonly affected by B1560?
This code is frequently seen in 2010-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models, particularly those with electronic door latch systems.
How can I prevent B1560 from happening again?
Regular maintenance, including checking electrical connections in the door harness and avoiding aftermarket installations that may interfere with factory systems, can help prevent B1560.
What is B1560?
DTC B1560 is a diagnostic trouble code that indicates an issue within the vehicle's body control module, specifically related to the driver's door latch or its circuitry. When this code is triggered, it usually signifies that the body control module has detected an out-of-range signal from the driver's door latch. This latch is crucial as it not only ensures the door is properly closed, but it also plays a role in the vehicle's security systems and can affect features like the interior lights and alarm system. In practical terms, when B1560 appears, you may experience symptoms such as the vehicle's alarm activating unexpectedly or the interior lights not functioning correctly when the door is opened. Ignoring this code can lead to further issues like battery drain, as the body control module may continuously attempt to engage functions that are not operational. Therefore, understanding and addressing this code promptly can prevent more severe electrical problems down the line.
System: B - Body (Airbags, Lighting, Security, Climate Control)
Symptoms
Common symptoms when B1560 is present:
- The check engine light may illuminate or stay on constantly, indicating a fault in the body control module.
- The interior lights may not turn on when the driver's door is opened, leading to inconvenience at night.
- You might notice the vehicle's alarm system triggering unexpectedly, which can be frustrating and alarming.
- The power door locks may not function correctly, either failing to lock or unlock, affecting overall vehicle security.
- In some cases, the driver's door may feel loose or unlatched even when it is securely closed.
Possible Causes
Most common causes of B1560 (ordered by frequency):
- {'cause': 'Faulty door latch assembly', 'likelihood': '70%', 'details': 'A common issue where the latch mechanism wears out or fails, causing incorrect signals to be sent to the body control module.'}
- {'cause': 'Wiring issues in the door harness', 'details': 'Frayed or damaged wires can lead to poor connectivity, resulting in incorrect signals and triggering the B1560 code.'}
- {'cause': 'Body control module malfunction', 'details': 'A less frequent cause where the module itself is defective or has software issues, necessitating a reprogramming or replacement.'}
- {'cause': 'Corrosion at connectors or terminals', 'details': 'Environmental factors can lead to corrosion, impacting electrical connectivity and functionality.'}
- {'cause': 'Improper installation of aftermarket accessories', 'details': "Accessories that interfere with the door's electrical systems can inadvertently trigger this code."}
B1560 Repair Costs
Cost Breakdown by Repair Type
Door Latch Replacement
Replacing the faulty driver's door latch assembly with an OEM part.
- Total: $120 - $300
- Success rate: 95%
Wiring Repair
Fixing or replacing damaged wiring in the door harness.
- Total: $80 - $200
- Success rate: 90%
BCM Reprogramming
Reprogramming or replacing the body control module if it is malfunctioning.
- Total: $200 - $600
- Success rate: 85%
Money-Saving Tips for B1560
- 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 B1560 Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose B1560. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for visible damage to the door latch mechanism and associated wiring (5-10 minutes)
Step 2: OBD2 scan using GeekOBD APP - Retrieve codes and freeze frame data to gather context on the issue (10-15 minutes)
Step 3: Component testing - Utilize a multimeter to test the door latch and wiring for continuity and correct voltage (20-30 minutes)
Step 4: System function test - After potential repairs, verify that the door latch operates correctly and clear the codes (10-15 minutes)
Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle to ensure that the symptoms have been resolved and monitor for any reappearance of the code (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: 2015 Ford Fusion Door Latch Issue
Vehicle: 2015 Ford Fusion, 72,000 miles
Problem: Customer reported that the vehicle's alarm would randomly trigger and the interior lights were malfunctioning.
Diagnosis: An OBD2 scan revealed code B1560. A visual inspection showed a failing door latch.
Solution: Replaced the driver's door latch assembly with an OEM part.
Cost: $240 (parts: $150, labor: $90)
Result: After the repair, the alarm stopped triggering unexpectedly and the lights functioned correctly.
Case Study 2: 2017 Lincoln MKZ BCM Issues
Vehicle: 2017 Lincoln MKZ, 45,000 miles
Problem: The customer experienced issues with the power locks and frequent dashboard warnings.
Diagnosis: The GeekOBD APP confirmed B1560, and further testing indicated a malfunction in the body control module.
Solution: Reprogrammed the BCM and repaired damaged wiring in the door harness.
Cost: $320 (parts: $180, labor: $140)
Result: Post-repair, all systems operated normally and the warnings cleared.