← Back to Search Severity: Medium

B0173

B0173: Exterior Light Malfunction

Fix Cost
$50 - $200
Parts & Labor
Difficulty
3/5
Moderate
1-2 hours
DIY Possible?
✅ Yes
Save money
Category
Body
System

📖 What Does B0173 Mean?

The body control module (BCM) has detected a malfunction in the exterior lighting system, such as a faulty headlight, taillight, or turn signal.
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Symptoms

  • Dim or inoperable exterior lights
  • flickering lights
  • or lights that do not turn off when the ignition is turned off.
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Common Causes

  • Faulty exterior light bulb
  • wiring issue
  • or body control module malfunction.
Fix Guide
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Possible Solutions

1. Inspect and replace faulty exterior light bulbs. 2. Check and repair any damaged or corroded wiring. 3. Update the body control module software if necessary.

Required Parts

Tools

Multimeter Torx screwdriver
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Need a Pro?

Complex codes like B0173 can be tricky. Don't risk it if you're unsure.

Quick Stats

Severity Medium
DIY Friendly Yes
Est. Time 1-2 hours
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Related Diagnostic Codes

Other codes that may appear with B0173

💡 Why These Codes Are Related:

  • Similar Issues: Same root cause or component failure
  • Related Problems: Often occur together due to system interactions
  • Sequential Codes: Progressive failure stages or multiple sensors
  • Same System: Components within the same automotive system