Some service centers will give you an online estimate to compare. Why drive around Town!?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
Error code B1381 is an extension of OBD II code B. Codes beginning with the letter B indicate a problem with your vehicle’s body, which includes the vehicle’s A/C systems and airbags. A B1 code is manufacturer-specific and indicates that service is required. All B codes are commonly displayed as BXXXX. The third numeral in the code sequence signifying where the OBD II system has encountered a problem. In this case, number 3 indicates a complication with the vehicle’s ignition system. The final two digits (8 & 1) indicate the fault description.
More About Error Code B1381
The OBD II error code B1381 signifies that the power-train control module (PCM) has discovered that the oil change reset button is no longer up to factory specifications. The PCM monitors the oil change reset button and will let you know if there are any relative issues. The oil change reset button is designed to inform the driver of when their vehicle needs an oil change. This information is based on your car’s attained odometer reading after the most recent oil change. The oil change light will not turn off on its own, even after an oil change is performed. Instead, it must be manually reset. Keep in mind that not many newer models of vehicles have a dedicated oil reset button. Many are now integrated into the instrument panel or center information display.
Error code B1381 is an OBD II diagnostic code that indicates vehicle functionality. The check engine light will often illuminate because of this code. This light could alert you of several issues. Some issues may not be serious and are safe to avoid until you have time to have your car serviced.
The only symptoms related to error code B1381 are the illumination of the vehicle’s check engine light and the continued illumination of your oil change display even after the oil has been changed and the car has been reset.
Error code B1381 is an OBD II diagnostic code that indicates vehicle functionality. The check engine light will often illuminate because of this code. This light could alert you of several issues. Some issues may not be serious and are safe to avoid until you have time to have your car serviced.
The only symptoms related to error code B1381 are the illumination of the vehicle’s check engine light and the continued illumination of your oil change display even after the oil has been changed and the car has been reset.
There may be more serious issues with your vehicle if this code is paired with other diagnostic codes such as B1739, B1380, or B1382. You will need to have these problems taken care of as soon as possible. A B1381 error code indicates a malfunction in the communication between your car’s oil life and the oil change display. Not knowing the true oil life of your vehicle may result in other mechanical issues if the car is driven for too long without sufficient oil.
Error code B1381 often results in the display of any of the B1739, B1380, or B1382 codes. Code B1739 indicates that the circuit is short to ground. Code B1380 represents circuit failure that can result from an open circuit. Code B1382 represents a short to the battery. All of these codes commonly appear along with a B1381 error code, especially if the root cause is not properly diagnosed and repaired expeditiously.
The method of communication between your oil change display and where the oil is stored is somewhat different for every make, model, and year of the vehicle. A B1381 error code may seem like a solvable problem with a simple solution to most. However, this code requires more than resetting your vehicle’s oil change light after an oil change. Many critical factors may contribute to this error code, therefore it is best to allow a professional mechanic to provide a proper diagnosis.
It would be in your best interest to take your vehicle to a service center in your area if you have changed your oil, reset your car, and still get the same error message. Your mechanic can find out exactly what is causing the check engine light to appear. They will let you know if any serious issues are causing this error code and what they can do to resolve it.
It is safe to continue driving your vehicle over short distances with error code B1381. However, repetitive, long-distance drives without an accurate understanding of your vehicle’s oil life could cause additional mechanical problems and result in the display of other B1XXX codes. These additional codes often signify more serious problems regarding your vehicle, as mentioned above.
If you need further assistance diagnosing and repairing error code B1381, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic in your area. You can find local service center locations by choosing from our extensive list, which features mechanics who specialize in diagnosing and repairing B1XXX error codes in your area.
All recalls are considered serious. Stay safe. Take care of any recalls ASAP. The good news? Recall repairs are free when performed at a local dealer.