Quick Answer
B1690 means: B1690 indicates a problem in the body control module related to communication issues.
Can I drive with B1690? Immediate inspection is recommended to avoid further electrical issues.
Common Questions
What does B1690 mean and how does it affect my car?
The B1690 code indicates a problem with your body control module's communication. This can lead to various electrical issues in your vehicle, such as malfunctioning lights or locking systems, which can affect your safety and convenience.
What are the most common causes of B1690 and how much does it cost to fix?
Common causes include a faulty BCM, damaged wiring, or poor ground connections. Repair costs can vary, typically ranging from $100 for wiring issues to $800 for a complete BCM replacement.
Can I drive my car with B1690 or should I stop immediately?
While you may be able to drive short distances, it's advisable to address the B1690 code promptly to prevent further electrical issues or safety risks.
How can I diagnose B1690 myself using GeekOBD APP?
Using the GeekOBD APP, connect your OBD2 scanner and check for the B1690 code. Review the freeze frame data to understand when the issue occurred, and inspect wiring and connections based on the data collected.
What vehicles are most commonly affected by B1690?
The B1690 code is frequently reported in 2015-2018 Honda Civics and 2016-2019 Toyota RAV4s, often linked to electrical system issues.
How can I prevent B1690 from happening again?
Regular maintenance of your vehicle's electrical system, including checking connections and wiring for wear, can help prevent the recurrence of the B1690 code.
What is B1690?
The B1690 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is related to the vehicle's body control module (BCM) and typically indicates a malfunction in the communication between the BCM and other systems within the vehicle. This code is commonly found in vehicles like the 2015-2018 Honda Civic and certain Toyota models, including the 2016-2019 Toyota RAV4. When this code is triggered, it often signifies that one or more of the BCM's inputs or outputs are not functioning as intended. This may lead to several issues, such as malfunctioning lights, problems with the locking system, or failure of the vehicle's alarm system. In practical terms, ignoring the B1690 code can result in your vehicle experiencing intermittent electrical issues or complete failure of certain functions, which can compromise safety and convenience. The BCM plays a crucial role in managing various electrical components, so a problem here can have a ripple effect throughout your vehicle's systems. Addressing the B1690 code promptly is essential to maintaining the proper functionality and safety of your vehicle.
System: B - Body (Airbags, Lighting, Security, Climate Control)
Symptoms
Common symptoms when B1690 is present:
- The check engine light or the body control module warning light may illuminate, indicating an underlying issue.
- You may experience issues with your vehicle's locking system, such as doors that won't lock or unlock properly.
- Malfunctioning interior lights, including those that fail to turn on or off as expected, can be a direct symptom of this code.
- Unresponsive remote key fob, which might fail to unlock or lock the doors from a distance.
- Erratic operation of the vehicle's alarm system, leading to false alarms or complete failure to engage.
Possible Causes
Most common causes of B1690 (ordered by frequency):
- The most common cause of B1690 is a faulty body control module (BCM), with a likelihood of around 60%. This can occur due to wear and tear or electrical surges.
- A second common cause is damaged wiring or poor connections in the BCM circuit, often due to corrosion or mechanical damage.
- Poor ground connections can lead to intermittent BCM operation, resulting in the B1690 code appearing. Regular maintenance checks can prevent this issue.
- Less common causes may include software glitches in the BCM itself, which might require a software update from the manufacturer.
- A rare but serious cause could be a short circuit in the BCM harness, which can lead to other electrical failures if not addressed quickly.
B1690 Repair Costs
Cost Breakdown by Repair Type
BCM Replacement
Replacing the faulty body control module with a new OEM part.
- Total: $300 - $800
- Success rate: 90%
Wiring Repair
Repairing or replacing damaged wiring and connectors associated with the BCM.
- Total: $100 - $300
- Success rate: 85%
Money-Saving Tips for B1690
- 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 B1690 Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose B1690. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 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: Component testing - Use a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test suspected components, focusing on the BCM and its connections (20-30 minutes)
Step 4: System function test - Verify proper operation after repairs and clear codes to ensure the issue is resolved (10-15 minutes)
Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm repair success and monitor for any recurrence of symptoms (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 in a 2017 Honda Civic
Vehicle: 2017 Honda Civic, 45,000 miles
Problem: Customer reported intermittent locking issues and dashboard warning lights.
Diagnosis: Using the GeekOBD APP, we retrieved the B1690 code and found a faulty BCM through component testing.
Solution: Replaced the BCM with an OEM part and repaired associated wiring.
Cost: $650 (BCM $500, labor $150)
Result: The vehicle's locking system and warning lights functioned correctly after the repair.
Case Study 2: Wiring Repair in a 2018 Toyota RAV4
Vehicle: 2018 Toyota RAV4, 30,000 miles
Problem: Owner experienced problems with the remote key fob not working consistently.
Diagnosis: Diagnostic steps revealed frayed wiring in the BCM harness, causing communication failure.
Solution: Repaired the damaged wiring and tested the key fob functionality.
Cost: $200 (wiring repair $150, labor $50)
Result: The key fob worked properly after the repair, with no further issues reported.