B1735 — Mirror Driver Vertical Switch Circuit Short To Battery

OBD2 code B1735 flags a problem with the body electrical system (mirror driver vertical switch circuit short to battery). The car is usually drivable while you plan the repair. Common culprits: damaged wiring in door jambs or wet areas, body control module (BCM) fault, faulty switch, motor or actuator of the affected system.

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 B1735 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 B1735 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for B1735 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Repair wiring or connectors: $80–$250; Replace the switch or actuator: $120–$450; BCM repair or replacement: $300–$900. Overall, fixing B1735 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 B1735?

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

Is it safe to drive with B1735?

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.

Will B1735 clear itself?

Sometimes B1735 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 are the symptoms of B1735?

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

What is the most common cause of B1735?

The most common causes are: damaged wiring in door jambs or wet areas, body control module (BCM) fault, faulty switch, motor or actuator of the affected system.

The Mirror Driver Vertical Switch Circuit Short To Battery code, logged as B1735, points to an electrical fault in the mirror adjustment circuit for the driver's side vertical position. Specifically, the body control module has detected that a wire carrying the switch signal is receiving voltage directly from the battery or charging circuit when it should not be. This type of fault falls under the body electrical category and does not directly involve the engine or transmission control systems.

When you press the up or down button for the driver's mirror, the switch completes a circuit that tells the body control module to move the mirror motor in the desired direction. The BCM expects to see a specific voltage pattern that corresponds to switch activation. B1735 sets when the module sees constant battery voltage on that signal wire, indicating a short circuit condition. The module typically requires the fault to appear during multiple drive cycles before activating the warning light. The freeze frame data stored alongside B1735 records the exact operating conditions when the fault first occurred, including engine speed, vehicle load, and temperature readings.

Symptoms of B1735

B1735 triggers a dashboard warning light but rarely affects engine performance or fuel economy. The vehicle drives, accelerates, and stops normally in most cases. The primary symptom is the illuminated body control module warning indicator. The specific non-driving function tied to the affected circuit may stop working or behave erratically. Mirror adjustment in the vertical direction could become unresponsive. Other body electrical features sharing the same module circuit might experience intermittent operation. Some vehicles store additional related diagnostic trouble codes alongside B1735, which can help narrow down the exact source.

Common Causes of B1735

Damaged wiring in the door jamb area ranks as the most frequent culprit. Wires running between the door body and the hinge pillar flex thousands of times over the vehicle's life, eventually cracking insulation and exposing conductors. This damage creates the short circuit that triggers B1735. Corroded or loose connectors in the door wiring harness commonly produce similar symptoms. Moisture from rain, car washes, or condensation enters connectors and promotes corrosion at the terminals. Body control module failures occur less often but remain a possibility, particularly in older vehicles with multiple electrical complaints. A blown fuse or failed relay can interrupt the ground or signal path for the affected circuit. Faulty mirror switches, motors, or actuators may internally short when they fail. Water intrusion at door seals often accelerates wiring degradation in the affected area.

How to Diagnose B1735

Begin by connecting an OBD2 scanner and retrieving all stored codes plus the freeze frame data associated with B1735. The freeze frame reveals what the engine and vehicle were doing when the module first detected the fault. Note any other codes present, as multiple body electrical trouble codes frequently point to a common wiring problem rather than several simultaneous component failures. After recording the information, search for manufacturer technical service bulletins related to B1735 for your specific make and model.

Next, perform a thorough visual inspection of the wiring harness in the door jambs, under the dash, and at the body control module location. Look for frayed insulation, melted wire insulation from heat sources, corroded terminals, and loose connector engagement. Use a multimeter to check for shorts between the affected circuit wire and battery voltage while gently wiggling the harness.

Monitor the switch state and motor operation in the scanner's live data stream while physically operating the mirror switch. Observe whether the module receives the correct signal change when you activate the controls. Pay particular attention to flex points where wires pass through body openings, as these areas suffer the most stress. Finally, clear B1735 from the module memory and complete a test drive that reproduces the freeze frame conditions, such as mirror activation during specific maneuvers or temperature ranges.

Repair Options and Costs

Wiring repair or connector replacement typically costs between $80 and $250 depending on the extent of damage and labor time. If the mirror switch itself has failed, replacement runs $120 to $450 for parts and labor at an independent shop. Body control module repair or replacement represents the most expensive scenario, ranging from $300 to $900 depending on whether