B1696
Autolamp On Circuit Short To Ground
Body Chassis/Safety Lighting Control 🟢 Low — Fix at next service
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What This Actually Means
In plain language — no jargon

The automatic headlight control circuit is shorted to ground, preventing the system from functioning properly. It's like a light switch with a broken wire touching metal, causing the circuit to short out instead of turning on normally.

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Symptoms You May Notice
3 known symptoms for this code
Autolamp feature not activating or functioning intermittently
Dashboard warning light illuminated for lighting system
Headlights remain off when autolamp feature is enabled
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Embedded Systems Insight
What the ECU/ECM is actually computing

The ECU monitors the voltage level on the autolamp control circuit. When functioning normally, the circuit maintains a specific voltage range. A short to ground causes the voltage to drop abnormally low, triggering a fault code.

Voltage & Parameter Thresholds

Parameter Normal Range Fault Condition
Autolamp Circuit Voltage 9-14 volts Below 2 volts (shorted to ground)
Circuit Resistance Above 1 kΩ Below 100 Ω
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Diagnostic & DIY Fix Guide
Check these in order — from cheapest to most complex
1
Wire harness/connectors
Inspect and reseat all connectors on the autolamp module and headlight control circuit for corrosion or loose connections.
2
Wiring loom/insulation
Check for damaged or abraded wiring that may be contacting the vehicle chassis and apply electrical tape or heat shrink to exposed sections.
3
Autolamp control module
Replace the autolamp module if wiring inspection reveals no damage and the short persists after connector cleaning.