B1670 — Mirror Passenger Right/Left Motor Stalled

B1670 — Mirror Passenger Right/Left Motor Stalled. A fault in the body electrical system. The car is usually drivable while you plan the repair. Typical causes: body control module (BCM) fault, corroded or loose connectors, damaged wiring in door jambs or wet areas.

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 B1670 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 B1670 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for B1670 (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 B1670 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

Is it safe to drive with B1670?

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.

What is the most common cause of B1670?

The most common causes are: body control module (BCM) fault, corroded or loose connectors, damaged wiring in door jambs or wet areas.

What are the symptoms of B1670?

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

How much does it cost to fix B1670?

Replace the switch or actuator — $120–$450; BCM repair or replacement — $300–$900; 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.

Will B1670 clear itself?

Sometimes B1670 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 pulls a B1670, the vehicle's body control module is telling you it detected a problem with the power mirror motor on the passenger side. Specifically, the motor that should move the mirror failed to turn or stalled during operation. Code B1670 falls into the B-series category, which covers body electronics rather than engine or transmission systems.

Modern vehicles use small electric motors to reposition side mirrors. The body control module monitors current draw and position feedback signals from these mirror motors. When the module commands the mirror to move but the motor fails to respond with expected current flow, it logs B1670 and may illuminate the check-engine or body-system warning light. In most cases, this code won't affect how your car drives, accelerates, or stops, but it does mean one mirror adjustment function has stopped working.

The module does not set B1670 on a single momentary glitch. It requires the stall condition to repeat under specific circumstances—typically multiple ignition cycles or a defined period of monitoring—before the code becomes active and the warning lamp comes on. This design prevents false triggers from normal voltage fluctuations.

Symptoms of B1670

  • Passenger-side mirror fails to adjust in any direction or moves sluggishly
  • Mirror may freeze in its last position and ignore driver inputs
  • Dashboard body-system or check-engine light stays on
  • Adjacent body functions such as power locks or windows occasionally act up simultaneously
  • Mirror housing may produce a clicking or grinding noise when adjustment is attempted
  • No effect on engine performance, transmission shifting, or braking systems

Common Causes of B1670

The most frequent culprit behind B1670 is a wiring failure in the door hinge area. Every time you open and close the door, the wires connecting the mirror to the body harness flex and eventually crack. Beyond that, consider these possibilities:

  • Broken or chafed wiring inside the door boot, particularly at the door jamb
  • Corrosion buildup on the mirror connector pins from moisture and road salt
  • Loose or unplugged electrical connector at the mirror assembly
  • Blown fuse protecting the mirror circuit or a failed relay
  • Faulty mirror switch on the driver door panel
  • Failed mirror motor actuator itself
  • Underlying body control module malfunction

Diagnosing B1670

Start your diagnosis with a proper scan tool to confirm B1670 is present and record the freeze frame data. This snapshot captures engine load, RPM, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed at the moment the fault occurred. Replicate those exact conditions during your road test to trigger the problem reliably.

Next, search for any technical service bulletins that apply to your make, model, and year. Body electrical issues like B1670 often have published solutions ranging from software updates to extended warranties. Check both the manufacturer website and the NHTSA database using your VIN.

Visually inspect the wiring harness where it passes through the driver or passenger door hinge. This flex point sees constant movement and is where wires most commonly break. Pull back the rubber boot and look for frayed insulation, broken strands, or corroded terminals.

Operate the mirror switch while monitoring voltage at the mirror connector. A working circuit shows battery voltage when the switch is activated in each direction. No voltage indicates an upstream problem; voltage present with no motor movement points to a failed motor.

Finally, clear B1670 after your inspection and test. Drive the vehicle through conditions matching the freeze frame data, then rescan to see if the code returns. A code that does not return may indicate a loose connection that reseated during handling.

Repair Options and Costs

Address the least expensive likely causes before replacing major components:

  • Connector cleaning or repair: $40–$120
  • Wiring harness repair (door jamb section): $80–$250
  • Mirror switch replacement: $50–$200
  • Mirror motor replacement (if motor is separate from housing): $70–$300
  • BCM repair or replacement: $300–$900

In most cases, fixing B1670 involves somewhere between $80 and $250 when the problem is wiring or connectors. BCM replacement is the expensive worst-case scenario and should only be pursued after confirming all other possibilities. Labor rates vary by region, so expect to pay toward the higher end of these ranges if your shop charges premium rates.

Driving Safety Verdict

B1670 carries a short-term safety rating, meaning you can continue driving without immediate risk to engine operation or braking. The mirror malfunction creates a visibility blind spot on the passenger side, which makes lane changes and parking more difficult. In bad weather or heavy traffic, this limitation becomes a genuine safety concern. If your mirrors are completely inoperable, exercise extra caution when maneuvering until the repair is complete.

Related OBD2 codes

B1670 — Climate Control Air Temperature Internal Sensor Motor Circuit Failure: Causes, Symptoms & Fix

The B1670 OBD2 fault code relates to the Climate Control Air Temperature Internal Sensor Motor circuit. When the circuit circuit failure, the module cannot properly monitor or control this body system.

At AIscanAuto, we help drivers quickly identify OBD2 trouble codes, understand their root causes, and find the right fix.

Symptoms

  • Climate control not responding
  • A/C pressure issues
  • Temperature not adjusting
  • Possible blower motor issues

Common Causes

  • Faulty component — internal damage or wear affecting Climate Control Air Temperature Internal Sensor Motor
  • Wiring issues — broken, corroded, or chafed wires in the circuit
  • Connector problems — loose, oxidized, or moisture-damaged pins
  • a general circuit failure is detected — can result from wiring faults, connector issues, or component failure
  • Module input failure — rare, but the control module input stage may be defective

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

  1. Scan with OBD2 tool — Confirm B1670 is active. Check for additional DTCs.
  2. Visual inspection — Examine the Climate Control Air Temperature Internal Sensor Motor wiring and connector for corrosion or damage.
  3. Check voltage and ground — Use a multimeter to verify proper reference voltage.
  4. Test component — Compare readings to factory specs. A stuck or erratic signal confirms failure.
  5. Check for shorts/opens — Perform continuity tests on the wiring between the component and control module.

Repair & Solutions

  • If the component is defective, replace the Climate Control Air Temperature Internal Sensor Motor with an OEM or quality aftermarket part.
  • Repair any damaged wiring or connectors using proper methods.
  • Clear the DTC with an OBD2 scanner and test drive to verify the code does not return.
  • If the code persists after component replacement, inspect the control module connector.

Related Codes

  • B1667 — Climate Control Temperature Differential Circuit Open
  • B1668 — Climate Control Temperature Differential Circuit Short To Battery
  • B1669 — Climate Control Temperature Differential Circuit Short To Ground