B1422 — Power Window RR Motor 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

Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm B1422 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
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.
Inspect wiring and connectors Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the body electrical system for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
Subsystem check Operate the affected function while watching its switch and motor PIDs in live data.
Subsystem check Inspect connectors and wiring at flex points (door jambs, tailgate hinges) — wires break there first.
Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm B1422 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for B1422 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Repair wiring or connectors: $80–$250; BCM repair or replacement: $300–$900; Replace the switch or actuator: $120–$450. Overall, fixing B1422 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

How much does it cost to fix B1422?

Repair wiring or connectors — $80–$250; BCM repair or replacement — $300–$900; Replace the switch or actuator — $120–$450. 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 B1422?

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

Is it safe to drive with B1422?

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 do I diagnose B1422 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm B1422, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the power window RR motor circuit, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

Will B1422 clear itself?

Sometimes B1422 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.

When your scan tool displays B1422, it means the vehicle's body control module has identified an abnormal electrical condition in the rear right power window motor circuit. This code belongs to the B-series family, which covers body electronics rather than engine management systems. The full description—Power Window RR Motor Circuit Failure—tells you exactly which circuit is involved: the motor that raises and lowers the right rear passenger window.

The power window system relies on a simple circuit: a switch sends a command signal, the body control module processes that input, and a small electric motor drives the window regulator mechanism up or down. The BCM constantly monitors this circuit for proper voltage, ground, and signal feedback. When readings fall outside acceptable parameters—either because the motor isn't responding, the circuit is open, or voltage is present where it shouldn't be—the module logs B1422.

Setting this code typically requires the fault to appear across multiple drive cycles, preventing false triggers from temporary voltage spikes. Once confirmed, the BCM records a freeze frame snapshot capturing engine RPM, load, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed at the exact moment the failure occurred. This data is essential because it tells you what conditions were present when the problem happened.

Symptoms of B1422

The rear right power window fails to respond to switch commands
Window operates intermittently, working sometimes and failing at others
Dashboard warning light or indicator related to body electronics may illuminate
Other power windows, locks, and lighting continue functioning normally
No effect on engine performance, transmission operation, or overall drivability
In some cases, the window may move slowly or make unusual noises during operation

Common Causes of B1422

Blown fuse or defective relay supplying power to the rear window circuit
Corroded, damaged, or loose electrical connectors at the motor or switch
Broken or chafed wiring insulation, especially at high-flex areas like door hinges
Faulty window switch in the door panel or center console
Failed power window motor itself
Body control module internal malfunction or software corruption
Water intrusion into door panels causing short circuits or ground failures

How to Diagnose B1422

Connect an OBD2 scanner and confirm B1422 is stored in the body control module. Record the freeze frame data before clearing anything—it reveals the conditions present when the failure occurred.
Check for any related diagnostic trouble codes. Codes affecting adjacent windows or shared circuits often point to the root cause rather than the specific symptom code.
Research technical service bulletins for your specific make, model, and year. Manufacturers frequently publish known issues and solutions for recurring B-series codes.
Perform a thorough visual inspection of the rear right door wiring harness. Check for damaged insulation, corrosion at connectors, and signs of water entry into the door boot.
Test the window switch and motor using a multimeter. Verify proper voltage at the motor terminals while commanding window operation through the scanner if available.
Clear the code and complete a drive cycle that recreates the freeze frame conditions. If B1422 returns, the fault is confirmed and the specific circuit component needs replacement.

Repair Options and Costs

Wiring harness repair or connector replacement: $80–$250
Body control module repair or replacement (including programming): $300–$900
Power window switch replacement: $80–$200
Power window motor replacement: $120–$350

Total Repair Cost for B1422

The actual cost to fix B1422 varies significantly depending on which component failed. A simple fuse or relay costs very little, while a full BCM replacement requires both expensive parts and dealer-level programming. Most independent shop repairs for this code fall between $120 and $500 when properly diagnosed. Always verify the specific failure point before purchasing components—replacing a perfectly good BCM when the issue is merely a broken wire wastes money and time.

Can You Drive with B1422?

B1422 presents minimal driving risk in most situations. The rear right power window malfunction does not affect engine operation, braking, or steering. However, consider practical implications: a window stuck in the open position leaves your vehicle vulnerable to weather and theft. If the failure involves central locking or exterior lighting rather than just the window motor, address those immediately for safety and legal compliance. For the window circuit alone, schedule repair at your convenience but avoid long-term exposure to rain or extreme temperatures with the window non-functional.