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B1173moderate severity✨ AI-generated

Hood Switch Circuit Short to Ground

The hood switch circuit is shorted to ground.

Heads up: this code wasn't in our hand-written library yet, so DiagCoach AI built this page on the fly. Double-check critical specs against service info before condemning parts.

What it means (plain English)

The hood switch detects if the hood is open or closed; if it short circuits, the system thinks the hood is always open, which can trigger alarms or disable features for safety.

What the computer is actually seeing

The Body Control Module (BCM) registers a continuous low signal (0V) from the hood switch instead of the expected high signal (around 12V when closed).

What a healthy reading looks like

Hood switch circuit should show 12V with the hood closed and near 0V with the hood open.

Guided diagnostic — the DiagCoach way

Don't just throw parts at it. Walk through these in order — each step tells you whether to keep going or stop and fix what you found.

  1. 11. Inspect the hood switch wiring for any visible damage or frays. If damaged, repair or replace the wiring. Decision point: Is the wiring intact? Yes - proceed to step 2; No - repair wiring.
  2. 22. Check the connector on the hood switch for corrosion or poor connection. Clean or replace if necessary. Decision point: Is the connection solid? Yes - proceed to step 3; No - repair connection.
  3. 33. Measure the voltage at the hood switch. With the hood closed, you should see around 12V. If you see 0V, the switch is suspect. Decision point: Is voltage 12V with hood closed? Yes - switch is likely faulty; No - replace hood switch.

Common causes

  • Damaged wiring harness
  • Corroded or faulty hood switch
  • Water intrusion at the hood switch location

Typical repair cost

$$

Related codes

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to drive with this code?

Yes, but some safety features might be disabled, such as alarms, which could be a concern.

Will this code come back after clearing?

If the issue isn't fixed (like a bad switch or wiring issue), it will likely return.

Why does this code pop up when I use my hood latch?

The hood latch could be affecting the switch operation, causing it to short or malfunction.

Working a real vehicle right now?

Let DiagCoach walk you through it live with your specific symptoms, vehicle, and what you've already checked.

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