B1536 — Memory 2 Switch Circuit Open

Will B1536 clear itself?

Sometimes B1536 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.

How much does it cost to fix B1536?

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 does OBD2 code B1536 mean?

B1536 — Memory 2 Switch Circuit Open. A fault in the body electrical system. The car is usually drivable while you plan the repair. Typical causes: faulty switch, motor or actuator of the affected system, blown fuse or failed relay, damaged wiring in door jambs or wet areas.

What are the symptoms of B1536?

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.

What is the most common cause of B1536?

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

B1536 is a body-module fault code that shows up when the vehicle's control unit detects an open circuit in the memory 2 switch circuit. "Open" is the key word here — it means the electrical pathway that should carry current to or from this switch has been interrupted somewhere along its length. The module continuously watches this circuit while the car is running, and when sensor readings drift outside acceptable limits for more than the programmed number of drive cycles, B1536 gets stored and the check-engine or body-system light comes on. The code belongs to the B-series family, which covers body control electronics like lighting, door locks, windows, wipers, and auxiliary systems.

When the ECU sets B1536, it also captures freeze frame data — a snapshot of engine rpm, load, temperature, and vehicle speed at the exact moment the fault occurred. This snapshot is your most valuable diagnostic clue. It tells you what conditions were present when the circuit went open, which helps you reproduce the failure and verify your fix. Without it, you're essentially guessing.

The memory 2 switch itself is part of a recall-prone group of components in many vehicles. It typically controls a secondary memory function — such as a second driver profile, adjustable pedal position recall, or a specific lighting or locking preset. When the circuit opens, that function stops responding or behaves erratically. The engine and transmission are almost never affected, which means the car will still drive normally in most cases.

Symptoms

• The specific feature tied to the memory 2 switch stops working or operates only intermittently
• Dashboard warning light illuminates
• No changes to engine performance, fuel economy, or shifting behavior
• Affected systems may include power seats, adjustable pedals, memory mirrors, or interior lighting presets depending on vehicle configuration
• Symptoms may come and go if the open circuit is partial or temperature-dependent
• A failed memory switch can also cause adjacent body functions to glitch if they share a common connector or ground

Causes

• Broken or severed wire in the memory 2 switch harness, especially near hinges and door jambs
• Blown fuse or failed relay that feeds the circuit
• Internally open memory 2 switch — the switch itself has failed and cannot complete the circuit
• Connector disconnected, pins backed out, or terminals heavily corroded
• Faulty motor, actuator, or control module in the affected subsystem
• Body control module (BCM) internal failure
• Wiring damaged by moisture intrusion in door sills, liftgates, or under-cabin areas
• Loose or corroded ground connections for the circuit

How to Diagnose B1536

1. Plug in an OBD2 scanner, retrieve B1536, and record the freeze frame data before clearing anything. Note engine rpm, load, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed at the time of failure.
2. Search manufacturer TSBs (technical service bulletins) for your make, model, and model year using your VIN. Many B-series faults have published factory fixes, software calibrations, or known issues documented before you start probing.
3. Visually trace the memory 2 switch wiring harness. Focus on areas where the harness bends around doors, seats, and the trunk lid. Look for cracked insulation, wire chafing, and any signs of prior repairs.
4. Perform a continuity test on the suspect circuit from end to end. Wiggle the harness during the test — a failing wire will show fluctuating or infinite resistance when flexed.
5. Check the switch connector and terminals for corrosion, bent pins, or looseness. Clean and reseat the connector, then retest.
6. Operate the affected function while monitoring its switch and motor PIDs in live data on your scanner. Look for signal dropouts or stuck readings.
7. After repairs, clear the code and complete a full drive cycle that reproduces the freeze frame conditions (same speed, temperature, and rpm range). Confirm B1536 does not return.

Repair Options and Costs

Repair costs vary widely depending on which part of the circuit failed. Always rule out cheap fixes before replacing expensive modules.

• Wiring repair or connector replacement: $80–$250. Most open circuits are caused by broken wires or bad connectors. Soldering, heat-shrinking, or replacing a connector is usually all that's needed.
• Memory 2 switch or actuator replacement: $120–$450. If the switch itself has failed internally, it must be replaced. The part cost is typically $40–$200 depending on the vehicle; labor adds $80–$250.
• BCM repair or replacement: $300–$900. A faulty body control module is the most expensive fix. BCM repair through a specialist is often cheaper than full replacement with a new unit. Programming may be required.

Overall, expect to spend between $80 and $900 to resolve B1536. An accurate diagnosis first prevents spending $900 on a new BCM when a $15 connector and five minutes of soldering would have fixed it.

Can You Drive with B1536?

In most cases, yes — B1536 does not affect engine operation, transmission shifting, or safety-critical systems. You can continue driving. However, if the memory 2 switch controls exterior lighting, windshield wipers, or central locking, the fault could leave you without those functions in adverse conditions or compromise vehicle security. Address the code before a long trip or rainy season.

Related OBD2 Codes

• B1500: Lamp Turn Signal Left Circuit Open
• B1501: Lamp Turn Signal Left Circuit Short To Battery
• B1502: Lamp Turn Signal Left Circuit Short To Ground
• B1503: Lamp Turn Signal Right Circuit Failure
• B1504: Lamp Turn Signal Right Circuit Open
• B1505: Lamp Turn Signal Right Circuit Short To Battery