B1394 — Power Door Memory Lock Relay Circuit Short To Battery

What is the most common cause of B1394?

The most common causes are: blown fuse or failed relay, corroded or loose connectors, faulty switch, motor or actuator of the affected system.

How much does it cost to fix B1394?

BCM repair or replacement — $300–$900; Replace the switch or actuator — $120–$450; Repair wiring or connectors — $80–$250. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.

What are the symptoms of B1394?

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

What does OBD2 code B1394 mean?

B1394 — Power Door Memory Lock Relay Circuit Short To Battery. A fault in the body electrical system. The car is usually drivable while you plan the repair. Typical causes: blown fuse or failed relay, corroded or loose connectors, faulty switch, motor or actuator of the affected system.

How do I diagnose B1394 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm B1394, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the body electrical system, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

When the diagnostic scanner pulls code B1394, it's telling you the body control module has detected an abnormal condition in the power door memory lock relay circuit — specifically, a short to battery. That means somewhere in that circuit, voltage is reaching a point it shouldn't be, creating an unintended path to power. This falls squarely in the B-series of OBD2 codes, which covers body and comfort systems rather than powertrain functions.

The BCM watches this circuit constantly, comparing actual voltage readings against factory specifications. When readings stay outside acceptable ranges for enough consecutive drive cycles, the module decides something is genuinely wrong and stores B1394 permanently. What makes this code useful for diagnosis is the freeze frame data that accompanies it — a snapshot of engine RPM, load, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed captured the exact moment the fault occurred. That information tells you what conditions triggered the problem, which matters when you're trying to make it happen again during testing.

Symptoms of B1394

• No effect on engine performance or drivability in most applications
• The door lock function operates intermittently or stops responding entirely
• Dashboard warning light remains illuminated after the fault appears
• Related comfort features — windows, mirrors, or interior lighting — may behave erratically
• The problem typically stays present across multiple key cycles until the underlying fault is repaired
• In some cases, the affected system works normally until specific conditions are met

Common causes of B1394

• Blown fuse or failed relay in the power door lock circuit — the most frequent culprit
• Faulty door lock switch, actuator motor, or related hardware
• Corroded, damaged, or loosely inserted electrical connectors
• Wiring insulation worn through in door jambs or other flex areas exposed to moisture
• Body control module failure or internal circuit fault within the BCM itself

How to diagnose B1394

1. Connect an OBD2 scanner and confirm B1394 is actively stored, then record all freeze frame data — that snapshot of engine conditions gives you the roadmap for recreating the failure.
2. Pull any related codes at the same time. Codes appearing together often share a root cause, and chasing one without checking the others can send you down the wrong path. Also verify whether your manufacturer has published a technical service bulletin for this specific code on your model year.
3. Perform a hands-on inspection of the wiring harness and connectors tied to the body electrical system. Look for chafed insulation, greenish corrosion on pins, and any connectors that feel loose or don't fully seat.
4. Activate the door lock system while monitoring switch and motor data on the scanner. You're comparing what the system is actually doing against what the BCM expects to see.
5. Pay close attention to flex points — door hinges, tailgate areas, anywhere wires bend repeatedly. These spots take abuse and are where broken strands show up first.
6. Clear the code, then drive the vehicle through conditions matching the freeze frame data. After the test drive, rescan to see if B1394 returns or stays cleared.

How to fix B1394

Tackle the inexpensive possibilities before replacing major components. Common repair approaches for B1394 include:

• BCM repair or replacement — $300–$900
• Switch or actuator replacement — $120–$450
• Wiring harness or connector repair — $80–$250

How much does it cost to fix B1394?

Final cost hinges entirely on which component triggered the fault. Parts and labor at independent shop rates typically run:

• BCM repair or replacement: $300–$900
• Switch or actuator replacement: $120–$450
• Wiring or connector repair: $80–$250

Most B1394 repairs land somewhere between $80 and $900 total. An accurate diagnosis before purchasing parts is the single best way to keep costs down — the most expensive fix is rarely the first place you should look.

Can you drive with B1394?

Short answer: yes, usually. B-series codes almost never affect engine operation, and B1394 is no exception. The severity level here is short — meaning there's no immediate safety concern from a drivability standpoint. That said, consider the practical risks: if the fault involves exterior lighting, you lose visibility in rain or darkness. If central locking is affected, the car could be left unsecured. Neither situation demands you pull over immediately, but getting the problem diagnosed and repaired within a reasonable timeframe is still the smart call.

Related OBD2 codes

• B1300: Power Door Lock Circuit Failure
• B1301: Power Door Lock Circuit Open
• B1302: Accessory Delay Relay Coil Circuit Failure
• B1303: Accessory Delay Relay Coil Circuit Open
• B1304: Accessory Delay Relay Coil Circuit Short To Battery
• B1305: Accessory Delay Relay Coil Circuit Short To Ground