B1695

Autolamp On Circuit Short To Battery

Body Chassis/Safety Lighting control 🟢 Low — Fix at next service ✅ Safe to Drive
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What This Actually Means

In plain language — no jargon

The autolamp (automatic headlight) control circuit is shorted directly to battery voltage, meaning it's receiving too much electrical power. Think of it like a water pipe that's supposed to have controlled flow but instead has a direct line to the main supply—the system can't regulate it properly.

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Symptoms You May Notice

3 known symptoms for this code
Headlights stay on continuously or flicker unexpectedly
Dashboard warning light illuminated or autolamp feature inoperative
Battery drains faster than normal due to constant lamp draw
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How Your ECU Detects This

Technical sensor logic and voltage thresholds

The ECU monitors the autolamp control circuit voltage, expecting it to cycle between ground and a moderate supply voltage based on ambient light sensor input. When the circuit shorts directly to battery voltage, the ECU detects an abnormally high voltage level that exceeds the normal operating threshold, triggering the fault code.

Voltage & Parameter Thresholds

ParameterNormal RangeFault Condition
Autolamp circuit voltage 0V to 5V (modulated by sensor) >10V (shorted to battery rail)
Control module output resistance 100-10k ohms <10 ohms (short condition)
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Diagnostic & DIY Fix Guide

Check these in order — from cheapest to most complex
1
Wiring harness connector
Inspect the autolamp connector for corrosion, damaged pins, or moisture and clean or reseat the connection.
2
Autolamp relay
Test and replace the autolamp relay if it is stuck in the on position or has internal short.
3
Autolamp control wiring
Check for pinched, chafed, or damaged wiring between the relay, module, and headlamp assembly and repair or replace as needed.
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When to See a Professional Mechanic

Not all fault codes are safe to DIY

Code B1695 is a low-severity fault. Your vehicle is generally safe to drive to a workshop for diagnosis. However, do not ignore it indefinitely — low-severity codes often indicate developing problems that become expensive if neglected. Book a diagnostic appointment within 2–4 weeks. If you notice any additional symptoms (rough running, power loss, unusual smells), treat it as higher priority.

Safety note: OBD-II codes identify the system or circuit where a fault was detected — they do not always identify the exact failed component. A professional mechanic using live sensor data will diagnose the root cause more accurately than replacing parts based on the code alone.
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How to Clear Code B1695

What happens after you fix the fault

Once the fault is repaired, B1695 can be cleared using any OBD-II scanner. Connect the scanner, navigate to "Clear Codes" or "Erase DTCs," and confirm. The check engine light turns off immediately.

The code will return if the root cause was not actually fixed. The ECM re-detects the fault within 1–3 drive cycles and sets the code again.

✅ Safe to Clear When
  • Fault has been diagnosed and repaired
  • You want to confirm the repair worked
  • Code appeared after a sensor was cleaned
⚠️ Do Not Clear When
  • Preparing for an emissions/PUC test
  • Root cause is still undiagnosed
  • Check engine light is flashing
Emissions test note: Clearing codes resets OBD readiness monitors. Most vehicles need 50–100 km of mixed driving before monitors complete. Do not clear codes immediately before an emissions or PUC inspection.