B1244

What Does Code B1244 Mean?

DTC B1244 indicates a detected failure within the rear wiper motor run relay circuit. This code is typically set by the Body Control Module (BCM), Integrated Power Module (IPM), or a similar dedicated body electrical control unit, rather than the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM), as it pertains to a non-powertrain system. The control module monitors the electrical integrity of the circuit responsible for activating the rear wiper motor run relay. A “failure” in this context can refer to an open circuit (no current flow), a short circuit to ground, a short circuit to voltage, or an out-of-range resistance value detected within the relay coil or its associated wiring. The module identifies an unexpected voltage or current state on the relay’s control or power output circuit, indicating that the relay is either not receiving the proper command signal, is not switching power correctly, or its internal coil has an electrical fault. This directly impacts the functionality of the rear wiper system.

Common Symptoms

• Rear wiper motor non-operational: The most common symptom is a complete lack of function from the rear wiper.
• Intermittent rear wiper operation: The rear wiper may work sporadically, turning on and off unexpectedly.
• Rear wiper stuck in a specific position: The wiper blade may stop mid-sweep or in a parked but not fully stowed position.
• Rear wiper operates continuously: The wiper may run constantly despite the switch being in the “off” position.
• No rear washer fluid function: In some systems, the rear washer pump may share a common power feed or ground path with the wiper relay, or the BCM may inhibit washer operation if a wiper fault is present.
• Warning message on instrument cluster: Some vehicles may display a “Rear Wiper Malfunction” or similar message.

What Causes the Code B1244?

• Faulty Rear Wiper Motor Run Relay: The relay itself may have an internal open circuit in its coil, sticking contacts, or burned contacts preventing proper operation.
• Corroded or Loose Electrical Connections: Poor contact at the relay socket, the rear wiper motor connector, or any inline connectors in the circuit can cause high resistance or an intermittent open.
• Damaged Wiring: An open circuit (break), short to ground, or short to voltage in the wiring harness connecting the BCM to the relay, or the relay to the wiper motor. This is especially common in areas subject to repeated flexing, such as the wiring loom passing through the tailgate hinge.
• Faulty Rear Wiper Motor: An internal short or open circuit within the wiper motor itself can draw excessive current or no current, leading the BCM to detect an abnormal circuit state.
• Faulty Rear Wiper Switch: While less common for a B1244, an intermittently faulty switch could send incorrect signals to the BCM, which then incorrectly attempts to activate the relay, leading to perceived circuit failure.
• Faulty Body Control Module (BCM) or Integrated Power Module (IPM): The control module responsible for commanding the relay may have an internal fault in its driver circuit, though this is typically a rare occurrence compared to external circuit issues.

How to Diagnose and Troubleshoot

Diagnosis of B1244 requires a systematic approach, often utilizing a digital multimeter (DMM) and an OBD-II scanner capable of reading body codes and potentially performing bi-directional controls.

1. Perform Initial Scan and Freeze Frame Data Review: Connect an advanced OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of B1244 and check for any related body control codes. Note any freeze frame data, which can provide valuable information on system conditions when the code was set. Clear the code after recording data.
2. Visual Inspection:
   • Carefully inspect the wiring harness for the rear wiper system, paying close attention to areas prone to wear, such as where the harness passes through the tailgate or hatch hinges. Look for chafing, pinching, cuts, or corrosion.
   • Locate the rear wiper motor run relay (often found in the rear fuse box, under-hood fuse box, or integrated into an IPM). Inspect the relay and its socket for signs of corrosion, burning, or loose terminals.
   • Inspect the rear wiper motor electrical connector for corrosion, bent pins, or pushed-out terminals.
3. Relay Functionality Test:
   • Swap Test: If an identical, known good relay is available in the vehicle (e.g., horn relay, headlight relay), swap it with the rear wiper relay and retest the system. If the wiper now works, replace the original relay.
   • Bench Test with DMM: Remove the relay. Using a wiring diagram, identify the coil terminals and the load contacts. Apply fused 12V to the coil terminals (respecting polarity if present) and listen for an audible click. With the coil energized, use a DMM to check for continuity across the load terminals. Check the resistance of the coil; compare it to specifications if available. An open coil or no continuity when energized indicates a faulty relay.
4. Circuit Voltage and Continuity Checks (with DMM):
   • Power Supply to Relay: With the relay removed and the ignition on, identify the constant 12V power supply terminal in the relay socket (usually a thicker gauge wire). Verify 12V (battery voltage) with the DMM. If no power, trace the circuit back to the fuse and power distribution center.
   • Ground to Relay Coil: Identify the ground terminal for the relay coil. Check for continuity to chassis ground with the DMM.
   • Control Signal to Relay: Identify the control wire from the BCM/IPM to the relay coil. Use a DMM or test light to check for a 12V or ground signal (depending on the relay’s switching logic) at this terminal when the rear wiper switch is activated. If no signal, the issue could be the switch, wiring to the switch, or the BCM/IPM.
   • Power Output from Relay to Motor: With the relay installed and commanded ON (e.g., using the wiper switch or a scanner’s bi-directional control), identify the output terminal to the wiper motor in the relay socket. Verify 12V at this terminal. If 12V is present, move to testing the motor circuit.
   • Continuity to Wiper Motor: Disconnect the rear wiper motor connector. Identify the power and ground wires at the motor connector. With the relay commanded ON, check for 12V at the power wire and good ground at the ground wire. If 12V is present at the relay output but not at the motor, there’s an open in the wiring between the relay and the motor.
5. Rear Wiper Motor Testing: If all power and ground circuits to the motor are confirmed good, but the motor still doesn’t operate, the motor itself is likely faulty. You can often perform a direct test by applying fused 12V and ground directly to the motor’s power and ground terminals (consult wiring diagrams for proper pin-out) to confirm its operation.

Recommended Repairs and Solutions

Once the root cause of the B1244 code has been precisely identified through diagnostic steps, the following repairs are typically recommended:

• Replace Faulty Rear Wiper Motor Run Relay: If the relay fails the bench test or swap test, replacing it with a new, OEM-specified relay is the primary solution.
• Repair Damaged Wiring or Connectors: For open circuits, shorts, or corroded connections, repair the affected wiring using appropriate automotive-grade wire, solder, and heat-shrink tubing. Replace severely corroded or damaged connectors entirely. Pay particular attention to the wiring harness in the tailgate hinge area, which is a common failure point due to repeated flexing.
• Replace Faulty Rear Wiper Motor Assembly: If the motor itself is confirmed to be faulty after verifying power and ground supply, replacement of the complete rear wiper motor assembly will be necessary. Ensure proper alignment and lubrication during installation.
• Clean Corroded Terminals: If corrosion is present but the wiring is otherwise intact, carefully clean the affected terminals using an electrical contact cleaner and a small brush. Apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.
• Address BCM/IPM Issues (Rare): If all external wiring, relay, and motor components test good, and bi-directional control confirms no output from the BCM/IPM, then the control module itself may be faulty. This is a complex and expensive repair, often requiring module programming or calibration after replacement. Exhaust all other possibilities before condemning the control module.
• Post-Repair Verification: After any repair, clear the DTC B1244 with an OBD-II scanner. Operate the rear wiper system repeatedly through all its functions (intermittent, low, high, and washer if applicable) to ensure proper operation and confirm the code does not return. A thorough road test may also be beneficial.