Code Definition

B1618 — Wiper Rear Disable Switch Circuit Short To Ground

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

About B1618

B1618 is a manufacturer-specific body diagnostic trouble code recorded for Ford vehicles. It belongs to the B-prefix family of codes, which covers body, interior, airbag, or comfort-electronics faults.

When B1618 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.

B1618 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 B1618 code is set by the Generic Electronic Module (GEM) on Ford vehicles when the rear wiper disable switch input is shorted to ground. The GEM applies a reference voltage to the disable switch input and watches the return signal as the tailgate or rear glass changes position. A hard short to chassis pulls the input below the lowest valid threshold and is logged as an electrical fault. When this code is set, the rear wiper interlock cannot be evaluated correctly, which may cause the rear wiper to default to inhibited or to behave inconsistently with the actual hatch position.

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