What Does C1871 Mean?
The air suspension gate solenoid output circuit is shorted to battery voltage. The control module has detected unwanted battery voltage on the gate solenoid circuit, which may cause the solenoid to stay energized or prevent the module from properly controlling it. This could result in continuous air venting from the suspension, causing the vehicle to lower unexpectedly or the system to shut down protectively.
Common Causes
35%
Damaged wire insulation in the gate solenoid harness contacting a hot (battery voltage) wire or terminal
25%
Pinched wiring at a connector, frame, or body panel creating a short between the solenoid circuit and a power source
20%
Moisture intrusion in the gate solenoid connector bridging to a powered circuit terminal
12%
Internal solenoid fault with a winding-to-power-terminal short
8%
Control module driver circuit internally shorted to the power supply rail
Diagnostic Steps
1
Disconnect the gate solenoid connector. Measure voltage on the module-side harness wires with the solenoid not commanded. Battery voltage present on the ground-side wire indicates a short to power in the harness.
2
With the solenoid disconnected, measure resistance from each solenoid terminal to battery positive. Low resistance (under 100 ohms) indicates the short location.
3
Inspect the harness for locations where it runs alongside or crosses over power distribution wiring. Look for abraded insulation, melted wire, or crushed sections.
4
Disconnect the harness at intermediate points (if available) and test each section independently to isolate which segment contains the short to battery.
5
If the harness checks clean, disconnect at the module and test the module output pin to battery voltage. Low resistance indicates an internal module fault.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $900
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The air suspension gate solenoid output circuit is shorted to battery voltage. The control module has detected unwanted battery voltage on the gate solenoid circuit, which may cause the solenoid to stay energized or prevent the module from properly controlling it. This could result in continuous air...
The most common cause of C1871 (Air Suspension Gate Solenoid Output Circuit Short To Battery) is: Damaged wire insulation in the gate solenoid harness contacting a hot (battery voltage) wire or terminal
Typical repair costs for C1871 range from $150 to $900, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
A short to battery voltage on the gate solenoid circuit can cause unintended air venting, potentially lowering the vehicle unexpectedly. This can affect ground clearance and handling. The constant current draw also risks overheating the wiring. The suspension module will likely disable the system. Have the short repaired before relying on the air suspension system.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to C1871 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Chassis
System
Air Suspension
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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