What Does B1566 Mean?
B1566 indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected a short to ground condition in the door ajar switch circuit. This means the wiring or switch for one or more door ajar sensors is making unintended contact with chassis ground, causing the BCM to continuously register a door as open. The system affects the vehicle's interior lighting, chime warnings, and security systems.
Common Causes
45%
Damaged or chafed wiring harness between door jamb switch and BCM, often in door hinge area from repeated opening/closing
30%
Failed door ajar switch with internal short to ground or damaged switch housing allowing moisture intrusion
15%
Corroded or damaged connector terminals at door jamb switch or BCM creating intermittent ground path
10%
Water intrusion in door panel or kick panel causing circuit short through moisture contamination
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of all door jamb switches and wiring at each door, especially in hinge areas. Look for damaged insulation, exposed copper wire, corrosion, or signs of water intrusion. Check for proper switch operation by manually pressing each switch.
2
Step 2: Using a digital multimeter, disconnect the door ajar switch connector suspected and measure resistance between the switch signal wire and ground with switch both open and closed. Should read open circuit (infinite resistance) when door is closed and continuity when pressed. A constant short to ground (0-5 ohms) indicates faulty switch.
3
Step 3: If switch tests good, disconnect BCM connector and measure resistance from door ajar circuit wire at BCM harness side to chassis ground with switch disconnected. Should read infinite resistance; low resistance indicates wiring harness short to ground between switch and BCM.
4
Step 4: Inspect door hinge area wiring closely by flexing harness while monitoring resistance. Wiggle test door boot wiring between door and body pillar as this is common failure point. Check for wire pinched in door striker or latch mechanism.
5
Step 5: After repair, reconnect all components, clear codes, and cycle each door open and closed multiple times. Verify interior lights and door ajar warning function correctly and code does not return. Test with vehicle locked and alarm armed if equipped.
Estimated Repair Cost
$75 - $350
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
B1566 indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected a short to ground condition in the door ajar switch circuit. This means the wiring or switch for one or more door ajar sensors is making unintended contact with chassis ground, causing the BCM to continuously register a door as open. The sys...
The most common cause of B1566 (Door Ajar Circuit Short To Ground) is: Damaged or chafed wiring harness between door jamb switch and BCM, often in door hinge area from repeated opening/closing
Typical repair costs for B1566 range from $75 to $350, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Safe to continue driving, but interior lights may remain on draining the battery, door ajar warning may constantly chime, and security system may not arm properly. Repair within a few weeks to prevent battery discharge and restore proper security function.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B1566 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Body Control and Interior Lighting System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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