B0228 code meaning
Front Fog Lamp Circuit
What B0228 means
B0228 appears in none of the publicly available J2012 lists, and no carmaker publishes it as a fog lamp code. General Motors does use the number, but inside climate control: bulletin PIT5383 lists B0228 among the HVAC codes of 2015 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC models whose K33 climate module needed new software; GM does not publish its exact wording. Read as titled, the code concerns the drive of the front fog lamps. In patent US8125101B1 the fog switch grounds dedicated signal lines that act straight on the fog lamp relays; in US7230350B2 a fog switch shifts the voltage on the headlamp switch resistor chain, and the controller then adds the fog function. A circuit fault leaves the lamps dark or hides the request from the module.
B0228 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0228
- Front fog lamps stay dark although the switch is on
- Fog lamp indicator lights up but only one lamp or none works
Common causes of B0228
- Most likelyFog lamp relay or fuse failed, so the lamps get no supply although the switch is on
- PossibleLow-mounted harness in the front bumper torn or corroded, often after a parking knock or water ingress
- PossibleBulb burnt out or lamp housing flooded through a cracked lens
- Less likelyFog position of the light switch worn or its signal line open
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Front fog lampFog lamp relayBody control module
What each part of B0228 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). |
| 28 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0228 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 B0228
What does B0228 mean?
B0228 means "Front Fog Lamp Circuit". B0228 appears in none of the publicly available J2012 lists, and no carmaker publishes it as a fog lamp code. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0228?
B0228 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0228 fail an emissions test?
B0228 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 B0228 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will B0228 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.