Introduction
The B1737 error code, indicating a "Mirror Driver Horizontal Switch Circuit Failure," is a common diagnostic trouble code (DTC) encountered in various vehicle makes and models, particularly those equipped with electronically adjustable side mirrors. This code signifies a malfunction within the circuit responsible for controlling the horizontal movement of the side mirror, impacting the driver's ability to properly adjust their mirrors for optimal visibility. Addressing this issue promptly is crucial for safe driving and maintaining full functionality of the vehicle's features.
Comprehensive Table: B1737 Mirror Driver Horizontal Switch Circuit Failure
| Topic | Description | Possible Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Definition of B1737 | A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicating a malfunction in the horizontal motor control circuit of the side mirror adjustment system. This circuit controls the left-right movement of the mirror glass. | Short circuit to ground or power; Open circuit in wiring; Faulty mirror switch; Defective mirror motor; Corroded or damaged connectors; Internal failure of the mirror control module or Body Control Module (BCM); Incorrect voltage supply to the mirror assembly. |
| Symptoms of B1737 | The most obvious symptom is the inability to adjust the side mirror horizontally (left or right). Other symptoms may include: Mirror moving erratically or intermittently; Mirror not moving at all; Other mirror functions (vertical adjustment, heating) may or may not be affected; The DTC B1737 being stored in the vehicle's computer. | Wiring issues; Motor malfunction; Switch problems; Control Module defects; Connector corrosion. |
| Affected Components | Primarily the side mirror motor, wiring harness connecting the mirror to the vehicle's electrical system, the mirror adjustment switch, connectors, and the mirror control module (which may be integrated into the Body Control Module - BCM). | Mirror Motor; Wiring Harness; Mirror Switch; Connectors; Mirror Control Module/BCM. |
| Diagnostic Procedures | Visual inspection of wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion; Testing the mirror switch for proper functionality using a multimeter; Checking the voltage and ground supply to the mirror motor; Testing the mirror motor itself for continuity and resistance; Scanning the vehicle's computer for related DTCs; Consulting the vehicle's service manual for specific testing procedures and wiring diagrams. | Visual Inspection; Multimeter Testing; Voltage/Ground Checks; Motor Testing; DTC Scan; Service Manual Consultation. |
| Common Wiring Issues | Breaks, shorts, or corrosion in the wiring harness leading to the side mirror. Specific attention should be paid to areas where the wiring passes through the door hinge, as this is a common point of failure due to repeated flexing. Check for chafing or damage caused by contact with sharp edges or other components. | Breaks in Wiring; Shorts to Ground/Power; Corrosion; Chafing; Door Hinge Area Damage. |
| Mirror Switch Malfunction | The mirror switch itself can fail, preventing the proper signals from being sent to the mirror motor. This can be due to worn contacts, internal damage, or contamination. Testing the switch with a multimeter is essential to determine if it is functioning correctly. | Worn Contacts; Internal Damage; Contamination; Mechanical Failure. |
| Mirror Motor Failure | The mirror motor can fail due to wear and tear, overheating, or internal damage. Testing the motor for continuity and resistance can help determine if it is functioning correctly. In some cases, the motor may be replaced separately from the entire mirror assembly. | Wear and Tear; Overheating; Internal Damage; Short Circuit. |
| Connector Issues | Corrosion, loose connections, or damaged pins in the connectors can disrupt the circuit and cause the B1737 code. Carefully inspect all connectors related to the mirror circuit and clean or repair as necessary. Use dielectric grease to protect the connectors from future corrosion. | Corrosion; Loose Connections; Damaged Pins; Water Intrusion. |
| Control Module Problems | In some cases, the mirror control module (or the BCM if the mirror control is integrated) may be the source of the problem. This is less common but should be considered if all other components have been ruled out. Replacement or reprogramming of the control module may be necessary. | Internal Failure; Software Corruption; Power Supply Issues. |
| Troubleshooting Tools | Multimeter; Wiring diagram for the vehicle's mirror system; Scan tool for reading DTCs; Connector cleaning tools; Dielectric grease; Replacement parts (mirror switch, motor, wiring connectors). | Multimeter; Wiring Diagram; Scan Tool; Connector Cleaning Tools; Dielectric Grease; Replacement Parts. |
| Safety Precautions | Disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on the electrical system to prevent accidental shorts or shocks. Consult the vehicle's service manual for specific safety procedures. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and eye protection. | Disconnect Battery; Consult Service Manual; Wear PPE. |
| Related DTCs | Other DTCs related to the mirror system, such as codes for vertical adjustment, mirror heating, or overall mirror circuit malfunctions, may also be present. Addressing these codes in conjunction with B1737 can help to ensure a complete repair. | Codes for Vertical Adjustment; Mirror Heating Codes; Overall Mirror Circuit Malfunction Codes. |
| Repair Costs | Repair costs can vary widely depending on the cause of the problem and the vehicle make and model. Simple repairs such as cleaning connectors or replacing a faulty switch may be relatively inexpensive, while more complex repairs such as replacing the mirror motor or control module can be significantly more costly. Labor costs will also vary depending on the mechanic's hourly rate. | Part Costs; Labor Costs; Diagnostic Fees. |
Detailed Explanations
Definition of B1737: The B1737 code is a standardized diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that specifically points to a problem within the electrical circuit controlling the horizontal movement (left and right adjustment) of a vehicle's side mirror. It indicates that the vehicle's computer, often the Body Control Module (BCM) or a dedicated mirror control module, has detected an issue with the voltage, current, or signal integrity in this particular circuit.
Symptoms of B1737: The most telling symptom is the inability to adjust the side mirror horizontally. However, other symptoms can manifest. The mirror might move erratically or not at all. It's important to note that other mirror functions, like vertical adjustment or heating, might still work normally, depending on the nature of the fault. The presence of the B1737 code itself, revealed by a scan tool, is a key indicator.
Affected Components: The B1737 code implicates several components within the mirror system. The most likely culprits include the side mirror motor responsible for horizontal movement, the wiring harness connecting the mirror to the car's electrical system, the mirror adjustment switch used by the driver, any connecting plugs or connectors, and the mirror control module, which might be part of the BCM.
Diagnostic Procedures: A methodical approach is crucial for diagnosing B1737. Start with a visual inspection of the wiring and connectors for any obvious damage or corrosion. Then, use a multimeter to test the mirror switch for proper functionality and to check the voltage and ground supply to the mirror motor. The motor itself should be tested for continuity and resistance. Finally, scan the vehicle's computer for any related DTCs and consult the vehicle's service manual for specific testing procedures and wiring diagrams.
Common Wiring Issues: Wiring problems are a frequent cause of B1737. Look for breaks, shorts (where wires are touching each other or the vehicle's chassis), or corrosion in the wiring harness leading to the side mirror. Pay special attention to the area where the wiring passes through the door hinge, as this area experiences constant flexing and is prone to damage. Check for chafing (abrasion) caused by contact with sharp edges.
Mirror Switch Malfunction: The mirror switch itself can fail, preventing it from sending the correct signals to the mirror motor. This can result from worn contacts, internal damage, or contamination from dirt or liquids. Using a multimeter to test the switch's resistance at various positions is essential to determine its operational status.
Mirror Motor Failure: The mirror motor, responsible for the actual horizontal movement, can fail due to wear and tear, overheating, or internal damage like broken windings. Testing the motor for continuity (whether the circuit is complete) and resistance (the opposition to current flow) can help determine if it's functioning correctly.
Connector Issues: Corrosion, loose connections, or damaged pins within the connectors can disrupt the electrical circuit and trigger the B1737 code. Thoroughly inspect all connectors related to the mirror circuit. Clean corroded connectors using a specialized cleaner and ensure connections are tight. Applying dielectric grease can help prevent future corrosion.
Control Module Problems: While less common, the mirror control module (or the BCM if the mirror control is integrated) can be the source of the problem. This might involve internal component failure or software corruption. If all other components have been ruled out, consider this as a possible cause. Replacement or reprogramming of the control module might be necessary.
Troubleshooting Tools: Several tools are essential for effectively troubleshooting B1737. A multimeter is crucial for testing voltage, resistance, and continuity. A wiring diagram specific to the vehicle's mirror system provides valuable information about circuit layout and component locations. A scan tool is needed to read DTCs stored in the vehicle's computer. Connector cleaning tools and dielectric grease are helpful for addressing connector issues. Finally, having replacement parts (mirror switch, motor, wiring connectors) on hand can expedite the repair process.
Safety Precautions: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on the vehicle's electrical system to prevent accidental shorts or electrical shocks. Consult the vehicle's service manual for specific safety procedures related to the mirror system. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from potential hazards.
Related DTCs: Be aware that other DTCs related to the mirror system may also be present. These might include codes for vertical adjustment, mirror heating, or general mirror circuit malfunctions. Addressing these codes in conjunction with B1737 can help ensure a complete and effective repair.
Repair Costs: The cost of repairing a B1737 fault can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause and the vehicle's make and model. Simple fixes, such as cleaning corroded connectors or replacing a faulty switch, may be relatively inexpensive. More complex repairs, like replacing the mirror motor or control module, can be considerably more costly. Labor costs will also vary depending on the mechanic's hourly rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the B1737 code mean? The B1737 code indicates a problem in the horizontal motor control circuit of your car's side mirror, preventing it from adjusting left or right. It means the vehicle's computer has detected a fault in this specific circuit.
Can I fix the B1737 code myself? Depending on your mechanical skills and the cause of the problem, you might be able to fix it. However, you'll need a multimeter, wiring diagrams, and potentially replacement parts, along with a good understanding of automotive electrical systems.
How much will it cost to fix the B1737 code? The cost varies widely depending on the cause, ranging from a few dollars for cleaning a connector to hundreds for replacing the motor or control module. Diagnosis by a qualified mechanic is necessary for an accurate estimate.
Is it safe to drive with the B1737 code? While the car is drivable, impaired mirror adjustment can reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents. Addressing the issue promptly is highly recommended for safety.
What are the common causes of the B1737 code? Common causes include faulty wiring, a bad mirror switch, a failing mirror motor, corroded connectors, or a problem with the mirror control module.
Conclusion
The B1737 code signifies a malfunction in the side mirror's horizontal adjustment circuit. Thorough diagnosis, starting with visual inspection and progressing to component testing, is crucial for identifying the root cause and restoring full functionality to the mirror system, ensuring safer driving.