What Does B2496 Mean?
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected a short to ground condition in the anti-theft system's horn output circuit. The BCM monitors the horn circuit that activates during alarm events and has detected abnormally low resistance or voltage, indicating the circuit is grounded when it shouldn't be. This prevents the anti-theft system from properly controlling the horn during alarm activation.
Common Causes
45%
Damaged or chafed wiring harness causing the horn output wire to short against vehicle ground or body panels
30%
Failed horn relay with internal short to ground or corroded relay socket creating ground path
15%
Faulty horn assembly with internal short circuit to its mounting bracket or ground
10%
Water intrusion or corrosion in BCM connector pins causing short to ground in horn output circuit
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of horn wiring harness from BCM to horn relay and horn assembly, looking for chafed insulation, pinched wires, or damage near sharp edges and heat sources
2
Step 2: Disconnect the horn relay and measure resistance between the BCM horn output terminal (at relay socket) and chassis ground using a digital multimeter - should read infinite resistance (open circuit); any measurable resistance confirms short to ground in wiring
3
Step 3: If no short found at relay socket, disconnect horn assembly connector and retest BCM output circuit to ground - if short disappears, horn is faulty; if short remains, fault is in wiring between relay and horn
4
Step 4: Inspect BCM connectors for corrosion, water intrusion, or pushed-back pins; if wiring tests good, check for continuity between suspected circuit pin and known good ground with BCM disconnected
5
Step 5: Repair or replace identified faulty component (wiring, relay, horn, or BCM connector), clear codes, and cycle anti-theft system through arm/disarm sequence to verify horn operation and confirm code does not return
Estimated Repair Cost
$75 - $450
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected a short to ground condition in the anti-theft system's horn output circuit. The BCM monitors the horn circuit that activates during alarm events and has detected abnormally low resistance or voltage, indicating the circuit is grounded wh...
The most common cause of B2496 (ANTI THEFT HORN OUTPUT CIRCUIT Short to Gnd) is: Damaged or chafed wiring harness causing the horn output wire to short against vehicle ground or body panels
Typical repair costs for B2496 range from $75 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 the anti-theft alarm horn function. The audible alarm will not sound during security events, but the vehicle remains operational and other anti-theft features may still function normally.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B2496 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Anti-Theft Security System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
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