Code Definition

B1696 — Autolamp On Circuit Short To Ground

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

About B1696

B1696 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 B1696 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.

B1696 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 B1696 code is set when the Body Control Module (BCM) detects that the autolamp on photocell input is shorted to ground. The autolamp on circuit normally provides a low level reference signal that varies with light intensity, and the BCM evaluates this signal to control automatic headlamp activation. When the BCM reads 0V on this input that does not change with ambient light, it concludes there is a short to ground in the photocell, the connector, the harness, or at the BCM input pin. The result is that the autolamp on function is disabled, the BCM defaults to either no automatic activation...

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