Code Definition

B1215 — Running Board Lamp Circuit Short to Battery

System: Body  |  Type: Manufacturer-Specific  |  Make: Generic

About B1215

B1215 is a manufacturer-specific body diagnostic trouble code. It belongs to the B-prefix family of codes, which covers body, interior, airbag, or comfort-electronics faults.

When B1215 is stored, the module has detected a short-circuit (voltage pulled to ground or to supply) in the monitored circuit.

Scanning & clearing: Body (B) codes are often stored in the body control module, airbag module, or climate module. A basic OBD-II tool usually will not read body codes — an enhanced or OEM-level scan tool is typically required.

B1215 is a manufacturer-specific code. The same code string on a different make may have a different meaning. Always confirm the code's definition against the vehicle's service information for the specific make and model under test.

Code Information

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the running board lamp circuit for correct electrical behaviour and sets DTC B1215 when it detects an unexpected battery voltage on the lamp output line at a time when the voltage should be commanded low or sit at a known reference. On most BCM controlled running board lamp circuits the driver output is sampled at both command states, and a sustained battery voltage during a commanded on period indicates that the output is bridged to a 12V source that bypasses the driver. Common causes include a chafed wire contacting an unswitched battery feed, a connect...

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