B1244 — Wiper Rear Motor Run Relay Circuit Failure

body electrical

Is it safe to drive?

Short-term driving is OK Usually safe to drive — body codes rarely affect drivability. Exceptions: exterior lighting and wipers in bad weather, and central locking faults that can leave the car unsecured.

How to diagnose with an OBD scanner

  1. Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm B1244 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
  2. Check for companion codes and TSBs Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many B0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
  3. Inspect wiring and connectors Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the body electrical system for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
  4. Subsystem check Operate the affected function while watching its switch and motor PIDs in live data.
  5. Subsystem check Inspect connectors and wiring at flex points (door jambs, tailgate hinges) — wires break there first.
  6. Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm B1244 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for B1244 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): BCM repair or replacement: $300–$900; Repair wiring or connectors: $80–$250; Replace the switch or actuator: $120–$450. Overall, fixing B1244 usually costs between $80 and $900. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Common questions

What is the most common cause of B1244?

The most common causes are: damaged wiring in door jambs or wet areas, body control module (BCM) fault, blown fuse or failed relay.

How do I diagnose B1244 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm B1244, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the wiper rear motor run relay circuit, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

What are the symptoms of B1244?

Drivers most often notice: warning light on the dashboard, the affected function (locks, windows, lighting, wipers) works intermittently or not at all, no impact on engine operation in most cases.

Will B1244 clear itself?

Sometimes B1244 clears after a few drive cycles if the fault was intermittent — for example a loose connector or a tank of bad fuel. The underlying cause usually remains, so the code tends to return. Clear it once; if it comes back, diagnose rather than erase it repeatedly.

Is it safe to drive with B1244?

Usually safe to drive — body codes rarely affect drivability. Exceptions: exterior lighting and wipers in bad weather, and central locking faults that can leave the car unsecured.

When your scan tool displays B1244, it means the vehicle's computer has detected a problem with the rear wiper motor relay control circuit. Specifically, this code indicates that the electrical signal governing the rear wiper's run relay has fallen outside acceptable parameters. B1244 falls under the broader category of body electrical faults, which means the issue lives in the circuits that handle comfort and convenience features rather than the engine or drivetrain.

Modern vehicles coordinate rear wiper operation through the body control module or a dedicated wiper relay. The BCM constantly monitors whether the relay is receiving proper voltage and ground signals. When it detects an open circuit, a short, or missing feedback from the relay driver, B1244 gets stored alongside a freeze frame snapshot capturing engine speed, load, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed at the exact moment of failure. This snapshot proves invaluable during diagnosis because it tells you exactly what conditions triggered the fault.

Common symptoms accompanying B1244 include a illuminated warning light on the dashboard, intermittent or complete loss of rear wiper function, and potentially issues with related body systems sharing the same circuit. Critically, this fault does not affect engine performance or the vehicle's ability to move—you can still drive normally in most cases, though the rear wiper remains inoperative until repaired.

Symptoms

  • Dashboard warning light illuminates after B1244 sets
  • Rear wiper fails to activate when the switch is engaged
  • Rear wiper operates intermittently or cuts out during operation
  • No response from the rear wiper motor when commanding activation
  • Related functions sharing the same relay circuit may also be affected
  • Engine operation remains unaffected by this body electrical fault

Causes

  • Failed rear wiper motor run relay
  • Faulty wiper switch or control module
  • Corroded, damaged, or loose electrical connectors at the relay or motor
  • Blown fuse supplying the rear wiper circuit
  • Body control module malfunction or software issue
  • Broken or chafed wiring in the door jamb or near wet areas
  • Water intrusion causing short circuits in the wiper harness

How to Diagnose B1244

  1. Connect an OBD2 scanner, retrieve B1244, and record the stored freeze frame data—note the engine conditions when the failure occurred.

  2. Check for any related diagnostic trouble codes. Codes in the B0xxx family often share common grounds or power sources, and resolving an upstream fault may clear B1244 automatically.

  3. Consult manufacturer technical service bulletins using your VIN. Many body electrical faults have documented factory fixes, updated software calibrations, or known defects for specific model years.

  4. Perform a visual inspection of the rear wiper motor, relay, and associated wiring. Look for corrosion, burn marks, loose terminals, and damaged insulation—pay special attention to the wiring where it flexes near the tailgate or rear hatch.

  5. Test the relay operation using a multimeter. Verify that the coil receives power when activated and that the contact sides switch correctly. Inspect the wiper switch for proper resistance values.

  6. Clear B1244 after repairs, then drive the vehicle through a complete drive cycle under conditions matching the freeze frame data. Confirm that the code does not return.

Repair Options and Costs

Depending on which component is responsible for B1244, expect the following typical expenses for parts and labor at an independent shop:

  • Body control module repair or replacement: $300–$900
  • Wiring harness repair or connector replacement: $80–$250
  • Wiper switch, motor, or relay replacement: $120–$450

Total Cost

The total expense to resolve B1244 typically falls between $80 and $900. The most cost-effective approach is always to diagnose the exact cause before replacing major components— BCM replacement represents the priciest scenario and should only be considered after ruling out simpler issues like fuses, relays, and wiring damage.

Can You Drive with B1244?

B1244 generally poses no safety risk while driving. The rear wiper simply stops working, and engine operation remains unaffected. However, consider the conditions: if you encounter rain, snow, or heavy mud without a functioning rear wiper, visibility through the rear window becomes compromised. Address this code before long trips or during seasons with frequent precipitation.