B0131 code meaning
A/V Sensor Washer Fluid C Control Circuit
What B0131 means
B0131 points to the circuit that switches A/V sensor washer fluid C, the third channel of the B012F to B0134 series for autonomous vehicle sensors. Ford's patent US10569746B2 describes a rotating sensor cover: the computer first tries a contactless cleaner with fluid or air and only brings in a wiper when the window's measured opacity stays above a limit. A Korean lab study of lidar windows ran its washer at 0.5 bar and its air jet at 2 bar and found the type of dirt, its concentration and whether it had dried to matter most. No carmaker documents B0131 with this meaning. General Motors lists B0131 among the keywords of bulletin PIP5094 from 2013, which belongs to an older, unrelated numbering. Fault effect: sensor C goes unwashed.
B0131 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 B0131
- Washing of sensor C stops; dirt, salt or insects stay on its window
- A wiper or air jet, if fitted, has to do the cleaning alone
Common causes of B0131
- Most likelyPump or solenoid valve of channel C with open or shorted winding
- PossibleHarness to the sensor cleaning unit chafed or pinched at a bracket
- Less likelyControlling module output for channel C defective
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Av washer fluid pump cPump wiring
What each part of B0131 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). |
| 31 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0131 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 B0131
What does B0131 mean?
B0131 means "A/V Sensor Washer Fluid C Control Circuit". B0131 points to the circuit that switches A/V sensor washer fluid C, the third channel of the B012F to B0134 series for autonomous vehicle sensors. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0131?
B0131 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0131 fail an emissions test?
B0131 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 B0131 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 B0131 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.