B0117 code meaning
Camera Washer Actuator O
What B0117 means
B0117 names actuator O; unlike I, the letter O is used in this row. Not every silent washer is faulty. Continental's patent US11673532B2 (granted 2023, now held by Aumovio) lets the controller hold back the camera valves on purpose: in an off-road mode only selected cameras are washed, and with four-wheel drive engaged below about 20 km/h all valves stay shut so mud does not use up the fluid; a timed mode washes at most once per interval, two or five minutes in the examples. AUMOVIO also clears dust with air alone to save fluid. A deliberately inhibited actuator should set no code; B0117 indicates a fault in actuator O itself. Which camera O means is not published, and no manufacturer documents B0117.
B0117 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0117
- Camera stays unwashed also in normal road mode, not only when washing is intentionally paused
- Camera blocked message in mud or rain
Common causes of B0117
- Most likelyValve or pump O open, shorted or seized
- PossibleWiring to a low-mounted camera actuator damaged by mud, water or off-road use
- Less likelyModule software or configuration fault in actuator O control; update per maker
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Camera washer actuator oWasher pumpActuator wiring
What each part of B0117 means
| B | Body system: airbags, seat belts, power seats, lights and climate control. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 17 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0117 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about B0117
What does B0117 mean?
B0117 means "Camera Washer Actuator O". B0117 names actuator O; unlike I, the letter O is used in this row. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0117?
B0117 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0117 fail an emissions test?
B0117 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is B0117 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will B0117 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.