B1215 – OBD-II DTC

OBD-II DTC B1215 – Running Board Lamp Circuit Short to Battery

DTC B1215 meaning

DTC B1215 refers to a diagnostic trouble code indicating a short circuit in the running board lamp circuit to battery. This code is generated when the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system detects an abnormal voltage condition in the running board lamp circuit, suggesting that the circuit is directly connected to the battery voltage, which is not the intended operation.

DTC B1215 symptoms

Common symptoms associated with DTC B1215 may include:

  • Running board lights that remain illuminated continuously.
  • Running board lights that do not function at all.
  • Illumination of the check engine light or other warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Possible issues with other electrical components if they share the same circuit.

DTC B1215 causes

The causes of DTC B1215 can include:

  • A short circuit in the wiring harness of the running board lamp.
  • Faulty running board lamp assembly.
  • Corroded or damaged connectors in the circuit.
  • Issues with the vehicle’s body control module (BCM) that controls the running board lamps.

DTC B1215 seriousness

DTC B1215 is considered a moderate issue. While it may not affect the vehicle’s drivability, it can lead to electrical problems, increased battery drain, or potential damage to the running board lamp circuit. It is advisable to address this code promptly to prevent further complications.

How to diagnose DTC B1215

To diagnose DTC B1215, follow these steps:

  1. Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of the DTC B1215.
  2. Inspect the running board lamp circuit wiring for visible damage or wear.
  3. Check the connectors for corrosion or loose connections.
  4. Test the running board lamp assembly for proper operation.
  5. Use a multimeter to check for voltage and continuity in the circuit.
  6. Examine the body control module for any faults or programming issues.

How to fix DTC B1215 step-by-step instructions

To fix DTC B1215, follow these steps:

  1. Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to ensure safety while working on the electrical system.
  2. Inspect and repair any damaged wiring or connectors in the running board lamp circuit.
  3. Replace the running board lamp assembly if it is found to be faulty.
  4. Reconnect all connectors securely and ensure there is no corrosion.
  5. Reconnect the battery and clear the DTC using an OBD-II scanner.
  6. Test the running board lamps to ensure they operate correctly.

How to erase DTC B1215

To erase DTC B1215, follow these steps:

  1. Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
  2. Turn on the vehicle’s ignition without starting the engine.
  3. Navigate to the DTC menu on the scanner and select the option to erase or clear codes.
  4. Confirm the action and wait for the scanner to complete the process.
  5. Disconnect the scanner and start the vehicle to ensure the code does not reappear.

Recommended tools for OBD-II diagnostics

Explore our expert picks: The Best OBD2 Scanners for 2025

Easy-to-use Multimeter for reliable diagnostics: AstroAI Auto-ranging Multimeter

Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us keep our DTC database up to date and provide valuable content for free. We only recommend products that we have tested and believe to be the best in their class.