Switch or button internally shorted or stuck in the pressed position; Wiring chafed or pinched, with the signal wire touching bodywork or ground; Moisture or corrosion in the switch or connector creating a path to ground; Damage to the overhead console or switch panel after trim removal or repair work; Fault in the receiving control module input circuit; Aftermarket electrical equipment or poor wiring repair interfering with the circuit.

B1216

Emergency & Road Side Assistance Switch Circuit Short to Ground.

Other
Body
Manufacturer code
Low severity

How this code is built

B: SystemBody
1: Defined byThe manufacturer
2: AreaBody area 2
16: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

B1216 is a body code. It is logged when the control unit sees the emergency or roadside assistance (SOS) switch circuit pulled to ground when it should be open or at its normal reference voltage. The make is given as Other, so the exact switch, module and wiring layout depend on the vehicle and should be checked against the manufacturer's information.

Symptoms

Warning light for the emergency or assistance system on the dashboard
SOS or roadside assistance button does not respond
Emergency call or assistance service unavailable or showing a fault
Possible false or continuous emergency call activation
Overhead console or switch panel lights behaving oddly

Possible causes

Switch or button internally shorted or stuck in the pressed positionlikely
Wiring chafed or pinched, with the signal wire touching bodywork or groundlikely
Moisture or corrosion in the switch or connector creating a path to groundpossible
Damage to the overhead console or switch panel after trim removal or repair workpossible
Fault in the receiving control module input circuitrare
Aftermarket electrical equipment or poor wiring repair interfering with the circuitrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored codes and any freeze frame or status data, and note whether B1216 is current or historic
Check whether the SOS button feels stuck, loose or damaged, and whether it springs back properly
Inspect the switch connector and the nearby wiring for water ingress, corrosion, bent pins or trim damage
Look for chafed or pinched wiring along the route to the control module, especially where it passes through the roof or trim
Unplug the switch and clear the code: if the fault does not return as current, suspect the switch
With the switch unplugged and the module connector disconnected as per the wiring diagram, test the signal wire for continuity to ground
Check the circuit supply and reference voltage against the manufacturer's data, as the layout varies by model
Clear the code and recheck after repair, then confirm the system self-test passes

How to fix

Replace the faulty or stuck emergency assistance switch or switch panel
Repair or replace damaged wiring and secure it clear of sharp edges
Clean or replace corroded connectors and cure the source of water ingress
Refit or correct damaged trim so the switch is no longer pressed or pinched
Replace or repair the control module only if the wiring and switch are proven good and the input is faulty

Can I keep driving?

Low severity

The car can normally be driven as usual, because this fault only affects the emergency assistance feature. Book it in for repair soon, as the SOS function may not work when you need it.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.