Introduction:
The B1733 error code, often associated with mirror driver vertical switch circuit failures in automotive systems, can be a frustrating issue for vehicle owners and technicians alike. This error typically indicates a problem within the circuit responsible for controlling the vertical movement of the side mirrors, affecting their ability to adjust up and down. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and troubleshooting steps for this specific fault is crucial for effective diagnosis and repair.
Comprehensive Table
| Aspect | Description | Potential Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Error Code Definition | Indicates a malfunction within the vertical switch circuit of the mirror driver module. | Short circuit to ground, open circuit, high resistance in the circuit, faulty mirror motor, faulty mirror switch, defective mirror driver module. |
| Affected Systems | Primarily affects the vertical adjustment functionality of the side mirrors. May indirectly affect other mirror functions depending on system design. | Power supply issues to the mirror driver module, CAN bus communication failures (if module is CAN-based). |
| Common Symptoms | Inability to adjust the side mirrors vertically, error code B1733 present in the diagnostic system. | Mirror moves erratically, mirror only moves in one direction (horizontally), no mirror movement at all. |
| Potential Causes (Detailed) | Specific component or wiring issues leading to the fault code. | Corroded connectors, broken wires, damaged mirror switch, failing mirror motor (vertical axis), internal failure of the mirror driver module. |
| Diagnostic Steps | Procedure for identifying the root cause of the B1733 error. | Visual inspection of wiring and connectors, voltage testing, resistance testing, continuity testing, module scanning with diagnostic tool. |
| Troubleshooting Techniques | Methods for resolving the error once the cause is identified. | Wiring repair, connector cleaning/replacement, switch replacement, motor replacement, module replacement (as a last resort). |
| Tools Required | Necessary equipment for diagnosing and repairing the fault. | Multimeter, wiring diagrams, scan tool, wire strippers, crimpers, soldering iron (optional). |
| Related Error Codes | Other codes that may appear alongside B1733. | Codes related to horizontal mirror adjustment (B1732), mirror motor circuit malfunctions, or general power supply issues to the mirror module. |
| Preventative Measures | Steps to minimize the risk of future B1733 errors. | Regular visual inspection of wiring and connectors, avoiding excessive force when adjusting mirrors, addressing any signs of corrosion promptly. |
| Affected Vehicle Brands | Vehicle brands that are known to have this issue. | Ford, Mazda, GM, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and other brands using electronically adjustable mirrors. |
| Wiring Diagram Location | Where to find the correct wiring diagram. | Vehicle-specific repair manuals, online databases (e.g., Alldata, Mitchell OnDemand), manufacturer service websites. |
| Mirror Driver Module Location | Where the mirror driver module is physically located in the vehicle. | Typically located inside the door panel, under the dashboard, or in the center console. |
| Component Resistance Values | Expected resistance values for the mirror motor and switch. | Refer to the vehicle-specific service manual for the correct resistance values. Varies by manufacturer and mirror type. |
| Voltage Readings | Expected voltage readings at various points in the circuit. | Refer to the vehicle-specific service manual for the correct voltage values. Usually 12V when activated. |
| CAN Bus Communication (If Applicable) | How the mirror driver module communicates with the vehicle's CAN bus. | Data packets are transmitted and received over the CAN bus to control mirror functions. Diagnostic tools can monitor this communication. |
| Diagnostic Trouble Code Severity | How critical is this DTC? | Medium. While not directly affecting vehicle safety, the inability to adjust mirrors can reduce visibility and driving comfort. |
| Repair Time Estimate | Approximate time required to diagnose and repair the B1733 error. | 1-4 hours, depending on the complexity of the fault and the technician's experience. |
| Cost Estimate | Approximate cost of repair, including parts and labor. | $50 - $500, depending on the required parts (switch, motor, module) and labor rates. |
| Software Updates | Are software updates available to fix this issue? | Rarely. More commonly a hardware fault. |
| Aftermarket Parts | Are aftermarket parts available? | Yes, aftermarket mirror motors, switches, and even entire mirror assemblies are available. |
| Warranty Considerations | Is this issue covered under warranty? | If the vehicle is still under warranty (especially a new car warranty), the repair may be covered. Check warranty terms and conditions. |
| Safety Precautions | Safety measures to take when working on the mirror driver circuit. | Disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on electrical components. Use proper grounding techniques to prevent static discharge. |
| Common Mistakes During Diagnosis | Common errors made when diagnosing this issue. | Incorrectly diagnosing a faulty module when the problem is a simple wiring issue. Not thoroughly inspecting connectors for corrosion. |
Detailed Explanations
Error Code Definition: The B1733 error code is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that specifically points to a problem in the vertical switch circuit of the mirror driver module. This module is responsible for controlling the movement of the side mirrors. The error code indicates that the system has detected an anomaly within this circuit, preventing the mirror from adjusting vertically as intended.
Affected Systems: The primary system affected is the vertical adjustment functionality of the side mirrors. This means the driver is unable to adjust the mirrors up and down. Depending on the vehicle's design, other mirror functions, such as horizontal adjustment or heated mirror operation, might also be indirectly affected if they share circuitry or communication pathways with the vertical adjustment system.
Common Symptoms: The most obvious symptom is the inability to adjust the side mirrors vertically. The error code B1733 will also be present when the vehicle's diagnostic system is scanned. Other potential symptoms include erratic mirror movement, the mirror only moving horizontally, or no mirror movement at all.
Potential Causes (Detailed): Several factors can contribute to a B1733 error. These include corroded connectors that disrupt electrical flow, broken wires that create open circuits, a damaged mirror switch preventing proper signaling, a failing mirror motor (specifically the vertical axis motor) struggling to operate, or an internal failure within the mirror driver module itself.
Diagnostic Steps: The diagnostic process begins with a visual inspection of the wiring and connectors associated with the mirror system. Voltage testing is performed to check for proper power supply, and resistance testing helps identify shorts or opens in the circuit. Continuity testing verifies the integrity of the wiring. Finally, a scan tool is used to retrieve the B1733 code and potentially access further diagnostic information from the mirror driver module.
Troubleshooting Techniques: Once the root cause is identified, troubleshooting involves specific repair actions. Wiring repairs address broken or damaged wires. Connector cleaning or replacement resolves corrosion issues. Replacing a faulty mirror switch or motor restores proper functionality. In rare cases, if the mirror driver module itself is determined to be faulty, it may need to be replaced.
Tools Required: A multimeter is essential for voltage, resistance, and continuity testing. Wiring diagrams provide critical information about the circuit layout. A scan tool is needed to retrieve and interpret diagnostic trouble codes. Wire strippers and crimpers are used for making wiring repairs. A soldering iron might be required for certain types of wiring connections.
Related Error Codes: Besides B1733, other related error codes may appear, such as B1732 (related to horizontal mirror adjustment), codes indicating mirror motor circuit malfunctions, or codes related to general power supply issues to the mirror module. These codes can provide additional clues for diagnosing the problem.
Preventative Measures: To minimize the risk of future B1733 errors, regular visual inspection of wiring and connectors is recommended. Avoid applying excessive force when adjusting the mirrors, as this can damage the internal components. Address any signs of corrosion promptly to prevent further damage to the electrical connections.
Affected Vehicle Brands: This issue is not specific to one brand. Ford, Mazda, GM, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and other brands using electronically adjustable mirrors can experience this issue. The specific design and components used in the mirror system vary across different manufacturers and models.
Wiring Diagram Location: Vehicle-specific repair manuals are the primary source for accurate wiring diagrams. Online databases like Alldata and Mitchell OnDemand provide access to a wide range of vehicle information, including wiring diagrams. Some manufacturers also offer service websites with detailed technical information.
Mirror Driver Module Location: The location of the mirror driver module varies depending on the vehicle model. It is often found inside the door panel, under the dashboard, or in the center console. Consulting the vehicle's service manual is the best way to locate the module.
Component Resistance Values: The expected resistance values for the mirror motor and switch vary significantly depending on the vehicle and mirror type. Refer to the vehicle-specific service manual for the correct values. These values can be used to verify the integrity of the components during testing.
Voltage Readings: Similar to resistance values, the expected voltage readings at various points in the circuit are vehicle-specific. The service manual will provide the correct voltage values. Typically, a voltage of 12V is expected when the mirror adjustment function is activated.
CAN Bus Communication (If Applicable): In modern vehicles, the mirror driver module often communicates with the vehicle's central computer via the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. This allows for more sophisticated control and diagnostics. Diagnostic tools can monitor CAN bus communication to identify any issues with data transmission.
Diagnostic Trouble Code Severity: The severity of the B1733 DTC is generally considered medium. While it doesn't directly affect vehicle safety, the inability to adjust the mirrors can compromise visibility and driver comfort. It's important to address the issue to ensure optimal driving conditions.
Repair Time Estimate: The estimated repair time for a B1733 error can range from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the fault and the technician's experience. Simple wiring repairs or switch replacements can be completed relatively quickly, while more complex issues involving the mirror motor or module may require more time.
Cost Estimate: The estimated cost of repair can range from $50 to $500, depending on the required parts and labor rates. A simple switch replacement might cost around $50-$100, while replacing the mirror motor or module could be significantly more expensive.
Software Updates: Software updates are rarely the solution for B1733 errors. These errors are typically caused by hardware failures rather than software glitches.
Aftermarket Parts: Aftermarket mirror motors, switches, and entire mirror assemblies are readily available. When choosing aftermarket parts, it's important to select reputable brands and ensure compatibility with the vehicle.
Warranty Considerations: If the vehicle is still under warranty, the repair may be covered, especially if it's a new car warranty. Check the warranty terms and conditions to determine if the B1733 error is covered.
Safety Precautions: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on electrical components. Use proper grounding techniques to prevent static discharge, which can damage sensitive electronic components.
Common Mistakes During Diagnosis: A common mistake is incorrectly diagnosing a faulty module when the problem is a simple wiring issue. Thoroughly inspecting connectors for corrosion is crucial, as this is a frequent cause of electrical problems.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What does the B1733 code mean? It signifies a problem in the vertical switch circuit of the mirror driver module, preventing proper vertical mirror adjustment.
- Can I fix this myself? If you have electrical troubleshooting experience and access to wiring diagrams, you might be able to diagnose and repair the issue. However, professional diagnosis is recommended if you are not comfortable with electrical work.
- Is it dangerous to drive with this error? It's not directly dangerous, but impaired mirror visibility can compromise safety.
- How much will it cost to fix? The cost varies depending on the cause, but expect to pay between $50 and $500 for parts and labor.
- What if the mirror moves erratically? This could indicate a faulty mirror motor or a wiring issue causing intermittent connections.
Conclusion:
The B1733 error code, while potentially disruptive, is often resolvable with careful diagnosis and targeted repairs. By understanding the potential causes, symptoms, and troubleshooting steps, vehicle owners and technicians can effectively address this issue and restore proper mirror functionality. Prioritizing thorough inspection and utilizing appropriate diagnostic tools are key to a successful outcome.