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B1980 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Bulb Outage Condition Detected". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.
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The B1980 trouble code notes a bulb outage condition in the vehicle.
The B1980 code is a standard OBD-II body trouble code that detects a bulb outage condition. The light control module is responsible for controlling all of the vehicle’s lights, such as the headlights, brake lights, and hazard lights. If the light control module is unable to control any of these lights, it will be detected by the body control module or the powertrain control module (PCM). When this happens, the B1980 trouble code will likely be stored.
Many things can cause the B1980 trouble code, but the most common problem is damaged wires, harnesses, or fuses in the light system. The code can also be caused by a burnt out light bulb, a dirty bulb socket, or a defective light cluster. A malfunctioning light control module can also trigger the B1980 code, though this is less likely.
The B1980 trouble code will likely be accompanied by an illuminated check engine soon warning light on the vehicle’s gauge cluster, and possibly a bulb failure warning light as well. It is very likely that at least one of the vehicle’s lights will not work. In some cases, all of the lights will function properly, as the code has detected that one is failing. In this case, a bulb outage can be expected to occur soon.
The B1980 code will be diagnosed using a standard OBD-II trouble code scanner. A trustworthy mechanic will use the scanner to look at the freeze frame data, which contains information about the code. Additional trouble codes will also be searched for, and, if present, will need to be diagnosed in the order that the scanner displays them in. The trouble codes will then be reset, the vehicle restarted, and the code checked for. If the B1980 code is no longer detected, then it was likely inaccurately detected, or is representative of an intermittent error.
If the code remains present, then the mechanic will use the scanner and a visual test to determine which bulbs are having outage problems. A visual inspection of the electrical components should then be performed, so that all applicable harnesses, wires, and fuses are checked. The bulb sockets should then be cleaned, and the bulbs and light clusters (if the car has them) tested.
After the mechanic repairs or replaces any components, the trouble codes will again need to be reset, the vehicle again restarted, and the code once more checked for. By doing this, the technician will know as soon as the issue is resolved.
The most commonly made error when diagnosing the B1980 code is the failure to properly follow the OBD-II diagnosis protocol. Mechanics should comply with the protocol at all times, as it helps ensure thorough and efficient diagnoses and repairs.
It is fairly common for electrical failures to be overlooked or not noticed, which can result in the unnecessary replacement of bulbs and light clusters, or worse, the light control module.
The B1980 code will not keep a car from being drivable, and it will not cause any drivability concerns. However, the code will likely render some of the vehicle’s lights inoperable. Driving without fully functional exterior lights is a safety hazard, and also can result in a very hefty fix-it ticket. As soon as the B1980 trouble code is detected, an inspection should be scheduled.
Repairs for the B1980 trouble code are:
The B1980 trouble code is a manufacturer specific code, which means that the definition varies by automaker. This code detects a bulb outage issue for many cars, but can signal very different body problem for other vehicles. As always, the mechanic should be aware of the car they are working on when diagnosing the B1980 trouble code.
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