B1473 — Wiper Low Speed Circuit Motor Failure

OBD2 code B1473 flags a problem with the body electrical system (wiper low speed circuit motor failure). The car is usually drivable while you plan the repair. Common culprits: faulty switch, motor or actuator of the affected system, damaged wiring in door jambs or wet areas, blown fuse or failed relay.

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 B1473 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 B1473 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for B1473 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Replace the switch or actuator: $120–$450; BCM repair or replacement: $300–$900; Repair wiring or connectors: $80–$250. Overall, fixing B1473 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 does OBD2 code B1473 mean?

What are the symptoms of B1473?

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.

How do I diagnose B1473 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm B1473, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the wiper low speed circuit motor, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

Will B1473 clear itself?

Sometimes B1473 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.

What is the most common cause of B1473?

The most common causes are: faulty switch, motor or actuator of the affected system, damaged wiring in door jambs or wet areas, blown fuse or failed relay.

When your scan tool pulls code B1473, it's telling you the vehicle's body computer has detected a breakdown in the wiper low speed circuit — specifically, the motor isn't responding correctly to commands. This code lives in the body electrical category of the OBD2 system, which handles comfort and convenience features rather than engine management. The module responsible for monitoring wipers compares what it expects to see (motor running at low speed) against what the circuit actually reports, and when that gap exceeds acceptable limits for multiple drive cycles, B1473 gets stored.

The control module doesn't just log the fault and move on. It also captures a freeze frame — essentially a photograph of engine conditions at the exact moment the failure occurred. That snapshot includes RPM, engine load, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed. Technicians use this information to recreate the conditions that triggered the code, which makes diagnosis much faster. Skipping the freeze frame data means you're working blind when you could be narrowing down the problem immediately.

Common Symptoms

Dashboard warning light stays illuminated after starting the vehicle
Wipers operate only at high speed or fail to move entirely
Wiper function works inconsistently — works one day, fails the next
No change in engine performance, fuel economy, or drivability when the code is active
Other body electrical functions (power locks, windows, or lighting) may also behave erratically
The motor may run but at incorrect speed, or make unusual grinding noises

What Triggers B1473

Several underlying problems can produce the same fault code. These are listed roughly in order of how often they show up in practice:

Blown fuse or failed relay feeding the wiper motor circuit
Corrosion or looseness at electrical connectors, especially in areas exposed to moisture
Faulty wiper switch or actuator control
Damaged wiring harness, particularly where wires pass through door jambs or around hinges
Body Control Module (BCM) malfunction — the module itself may be failing
Grounding issues in the wiper circuit

Diagnostic Procedure

Follow these steps in order to isolate the root cause efficiently:

Connect your OBD2 scanner and confirm B1473 is actively stored. Record the freeze frame data before clearing anything — this snapshot reveals what conditions existed when the failure happened.
Pull any related trouble codes. Body system codes often appear together because one fault cascades into others. Also search for technical service bulletins (TSBs) specific to your make, model, and model year — manufacturers publish service updates that resolve known issues without requiring part replacement.
Visually inspect all wiring and connectors tied to the wiper circuit. Look for cracked insulation, green corrosion buildup, or pins that don't seat firmly in their housings.
Activate the wiper system while monitoring live data. Watch the switch input signal and motor feedback PIDs to confirm commands reach the motor and the motor reports back correctly.
Examine wiring at flex points — door hinges, hood hinges, and tailgate openings. These areas experience repeated bending that eventually breaks conductors internally while the outer insulation looks intact.
After addressing any found issues, clear B1473 and perform a complete drive cycle that includes the conditions from your freeze frame data. If the code returns, the problem is still present.

Repair Options and Costs

Repair costs for B1473 vary widely depending on which component actually failed. Parts and labor estimates below reflect typical independent shop rates in USD.

Switch or actuator replacement: $120–$450. The multifunction switch on the steering column or dashboard is a common culprit. Actuators in the wiper motor assembly also fail.
BCM repair or replacement: $300–$900. If the module itself has failed internally, it needs either specialist repair or full replacement with programming.
Wiring or connector repair: $80–$250. Often involves cleaning corroded terminals, soldering broken wires, or replacing a damaged connector body. Most economical when damage is localized.

Total Cost Summary

The total cost to repair B1473 typically falls between $80 and $900. Your exact bill depends entirely on which component is at fault. Wiring repairs and fuse replacement sit at the low end of the range, while BCM replacement pushes toward the upper limit. The most important step is getting an accurate diagnosis before purchasing expensive parts — the BCM is rarely the first thing to fail, and a thorough inspection often reveals a simple fix.

Can You Drive With B1473?

In most cases, B1473 presents minimal safety risk and the vehicle remains drivable. Body system codes rarely affect engine operation, throttle response, or braking. However, if your wipers fail during rain, snow, or sleet, visibility becomes dangerous. Central locking faults associated with broader body electrical issues could also leave your vehicle unsecured. Address the problem before wet weather arrives or long trips.