B1217 – OBD-II DTC

OBD-II DTC B1217 – Horn Relay Coil Circuit Failure

DTC B1217 meaning

DTC B1217 refers to a fault in the horn relay coil circuit. This diagnostic trouble code indicates that the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system has detected an issue with the electrical circuit that controls the horn relay. The horn relay is responsible for activating the horn when the driver presses the horn button. A failure in this circuit can prevent the horn from functioning properly.

DTC B1217 symptoms

Common symptoms associated with DTC B1217 may include:

• The horn does not sound when the horn button is pressed.
• Intermittent horn operation.
• Warning lights on the dashboard related to the vehicle’s electrical system.
• Other electrical components may also exhibit issues if they share the same circuit.

DTC B1217 causes

Several factors can lead to the occurrence of DTC B1217, including:

• A faulty horn relay.
• Wiring issues such as shorts, opens, or corrosion in the horn relay circuit.
• Defective horn switch or button.
• Problems with the vehicle’s body control module (BCM) that manages the horn relay.
• Blown fuses related to the horn circuit.

DTC B1217 seriousness

The seriousness of DTC B1217 can vary. While it may not affect the vehicle’s drivability, a non-functional horn can pose safety risks, especially in emergency situations where the horn is needed to alert other drivers. Additionally, if the issue is related to a broader electrical problem, it could lead to further complications in the vehicle’s electrical system.

How to diagnose DTC B1217

To diagnose DTC B1217, follow these steps:

1. Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of DTC B1217.
2. Inspect the horn relay and its connections for any visible damage or corrosion.
3. Check the wiring for continuity and signs of shorts or opens.
4. Test the horn switch for proper operation.
5. Examine the body control module for any faults or issues.
6. Check the related fuses to ensure they are intact.

How to fix DTC B1217 step-by-step instructions

To fix DTC B1217, follow these steps:

1. Replace the horn relay if it is found to be faulty.
2. Repair or replace any damaged wiring in the horn relay circuit.
3. Replace the horn switch if it is defective.
4. Reprogram or replace the body control module if necessary.
5. Replace any blown fuses related to the horn circuit.
6. Clear the DTC using an OBD-II scanner and test the horn to ensure it operates correctly.

How to erase DTC B1217

To erase DTC B1217, 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.
4. Select the option to clear or erase trouble codes.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the scanner to complete the process.
6. Disconnect the scanner and start the vehicle to ensure the code does not reappear.

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