What Does B2252 Mean?
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected a short to battery voltage in the park lamp relay driver circuit. The BCM controls the park lamp relay through a low-side driver, and it has sensed voltage when it should be commanding the circuit off, meaning the relay output is receiving constant battery power through an unintended path. This condition can cause the park lamps to remain illuminated continuously or prevent proper lamp operation.
Common Causes
40%
Damaged or chafed wiring harness creating a short to battery voltage between relay output and B+ source
30%
Failed park lamp relay with internal short causing continuous power feed to output circuit
20%
Corroded or damaged relay socket/connector with cross-circuit contamination allowing voltage bleed
10%
Failed BCM relay driver transistor unable to properly control ground side of relay coil
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of park lamp relay, socket, and associated wiring harness for signs of damage, corrosion, melted terminals, or chafed insulation near metal body panels and pinch points
2
Step 2: Remove park lamp relay and inspect socket terminals for corrosion, burn marks, or pin spread. Using a multimeter set to DC voltage, key on/engine off, measure voltage at relay output terminal in socket - should read 0V; if battery voltage present, trace output circuit for short to power
3
Step 3: With relay removed and ignition on, command park lamp relay on/off using scan tool bidirectional controls while monitoring relay control circuit voltage at BCM connector - should toggle between 0V (energized) and battery voltage (de-energized). If no toggle occurs, suspect BCM driver failure
4
Step 4: If wiring harness is suspect, perform resistance check between relay output circuit and known battery voltage sources with all power disconnected - should read open circuit (OL). Wiggle test harness while monitoring for intermittent shorts
5
Step 5: Install known-good relay and clear codes, then cycle park lamps on/off multiple times while monitoring for code return. If code resets immediately, harness short is confirmed; if code does not return, replace original relay
6
Step 6: After repair, verify proper park lamp operation in all modes, clear codes, and perform drive cycle to ensure no code recurrence and verify BCM control functionality
Estimated Repair Cost
$100 - $450
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected a short to battery voltage in the park lamp relay driver circuit. The BCM controls the park lamp relay through a low-side driver, and it has sensed voltage when it should be commanding the circuit off, meaning the relay output is receivi...
The most common cause of B2252 (Parklamp Output Relay Dirver Short to Battery) is: Damaged or chafed wiring harness creating a short to battery voltage between relay output and B+ source
Typical repair costs for B2252 range from $100 to $450, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Safe to continue driving as this affects parking lamps only and does not impact critical vehicle operation. Repair at earliest convenience to prevent battery drain from constantly illuminated lamps and to maintain proper exterior lighting function for visibility and legal compliance.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B2252 to identify the root cause.
OBDHut Mobile App
Scan codes directly from your car with the OBDHut app.
Coming Soon
Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Exterior Lighting System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
A quality scan tool helps you read codes, view live data, and clear faults.
