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B1413

Moderate

Driver Power Window Motor Circuit Short To Ground

What Does B1413 Mean?

This diagnostic trouble code indicates that the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected an abnormal short-to-ground condition in the driver's side power window motor circuit. The BCM monitors the electrical current and voltage in the window motor circuit and has identified that current is flowing to ground through an unintended path, typically drawing excessive amperage. This electrical fault prevents normal operation of the driver's power window system.

Common Causes

35%

Damaged or chafed wiring harness between BCM and window motor, causing wire insulation to wear through and contact metal body or frame

Window motor wiring harness
Wire insulation
Connector seals

30%

Failed driver's side window motor with internal short circuit to motor housing or ground wire

Driver window motor assembly

20%

Corroded or water-damaged connectors at window motor or door harness junction allowing current leakage to ground

Window motor connector
Door harness connector
Connector terminals

10%

Faulty driver's door window switch with internal short circuit causing ground path

Driver window switch assembly

5%

Body Control Module internal circuit failure or damaged BCM output driver

Body Control Module

Diagnostic Steps

1

Step 1: Perform visual inspection of the driver's door wiring harness where it flexes between door and body. Look for chafed, pinched, or damaged wires, especially near hinges and door jamb. Check for water intrusion in door panel and connector boots.

2

Step 2: Disconnect the driver's side window motor connector. Using a digital multimeter, measure resistance between both motor power terminals and ground. Reading should be infinite (open circuit). Less than 10 ohms indicates internal motor short.

3

Step 3: With motor disconnected, back-probe the BCM-side harness connector and measure resistance to ground on the motor power supply wire(s). Should read infinite resistance. Low resistance (under 5 ohms) confirms wiring harness short to ground.

4

Step 4: Inspect and test the driver's window switch assembly by disconnecting it and checking for continuity between motor control terminals and ground in all switch positions. Replace switch if any abnormal ground paths exist.

5

Step 5: If wiring harness shows short to ground, systematically isolate sections by disconnecting intermediate connectors and testing each segment until the shorted section is identified. Repair or replace damaged harness section.

6

Step 6: After repairs, reconnect all components, clear codes, and cycle the driver's window through full up/down operation multiple times while monitoring live data for proper current draw (typically 3-8 amps depending on vehicle). Verify code does not return.

Estimated Repair Cost

$150 - $650

Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location

Frequently Asked Questions

What does B1413 mean?

This diagnostic trouble code indicates that the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected an abnormal short-to-ground condition in the driver's side power window motor circuit. The BCM monitors the electrical current and voltage in the window motor circuit and has identified that current is flowing to ...

What causes B1413?

The most common cause of B1413 (Driver Power Window Motor Circuit Short To Ground) is: Damaged or chafed wiring harness between BCM and window motor, causing wire insulation to wear through and contact metal body or frame

How much does it cost to fix B1413?

Typical repair costs for B1413 range from $150 to $650, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.

Is it safe to drive with B1413?

This code does not affect vehicle operation or safety to drive. The driver's window may be inoperative, which could be inconvenient for toll booths or drive-throughs but poses no immediate safety risk. Repair at earliest convenience to restore full functionality.

How do I diagnose B1413?

Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B1413 to identify the root cause.

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Quick Info

Category

Body

System

Body Electrical System - Power Window Control

Difficulty

Moderate

Type

Manufacturer

Recommended Tools

OBD2 Scanner

A quality scan tool helps you read codes, view live data, and clear faults.