What Does B2179 Mean?
B2179 indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected an abnormal short circuit to ground in the front wiper select switch circuit 'A'. This occurs when the electrical signal from the wiper control switch is reading near zero volts continuously, indicating an unintended connection to vehicle ground. The BCM monitors the switch position inputs and has determined the circuit resistance is too low, preventing proper wiper function selection.
Common Causes
35%
Damaged or chafed wiring harness between wiper switch and BCM causing short to ground
30%
Failed wiper switch assembly with internal short circuit to ground
20%
Corroded or moisture-contaminated connector at wiper switch or BCM causing ground fault
10%
Water intrusion or liquid damage in steering column switch housing shorting circuit
5%
Failed Body Control Module with internal short on switch input circuit
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of wiper switch wiring harness from steering column to BCM, checking for visible damage, chafing against metal components, pinch points at hinges, or signs of repair. Check steering column area for moisture or liquid contamination.
2
Step 2: Disconnect the wiper switch connector and use a digital multimeter to measure resistance between the switch signal wire (circuit A) and ground with switch unplugged. Reading should be greater than 10k ohms; near zero ohms confirms wiring harness short to ground.
3
Step 3: With wiper switch still disconnected, test the switch itself by measuring resistance between signal terminal and ground terminal while cycling through switch positions. Verify proper resistance values per manufacturer specifications and no direct shorts to ground.
4
Step 4: Inspect all connectors in the circuit for corrosion, pushed-out pins, or moisture. Clean connectors with electrical contact cleaner and apply dielectric grease. Check connector pin tension and repair as needed.
5
Step 5: If wiring and switch test good, disconnect BCM connector and measure resistance from wiper switch signal wire to ground with both ends disconnected. This isolates whether short is in harness or BCM internal circuit.
6
Step 6: Reconnect all components, clear codes, and test wiper switch operation through all positions. Monitor live data for proper voltage signals at BCM and verify code does not return during operation.
Estimated Repair Cost
$100 - $450
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
B2179 indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected an abnormal short circuit to ground in the front wiper select switch circuit 'A'. This occurs when the electrical signal from the wiper control switch is reading near zero volts continuously, indicating an unintended connection to vehicle gr...
The most common cause of B2179 (Front Wiper Select Switch "A" Short to Ground) is: Damaged or chafed wiring harness between wiper switch and BCM causing short to ground
Typical repair costs for B2179 range from $100 to $450, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Vehicle is safe to drive as this only affects wiper switch functionality. Wipers may not respond to switch inputs or may operate erratically, which creates safety concerns during rain or inclement weather. Repair should be completed before driving in poor visibility conditions.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B2179 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Body Control and Wiper System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
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