B0503 code meaning
Right Rear Power Window Circuit Malfunction
What B0503 means
Public J2012 lists do not contain B0503, and no carmaker publishes a description, so the code is unverified. The title names the right rear window circuit. In the 9-3, Saab's right rear door module sets B3205 04 for an open down path and b3992 11 when the glass travels further than expected between its end stops; one-touch up and pinch protection then stop working. GM's 2011 9-4X gives this motor B3220, for example after an internal motor fault. FMVSS 118 lets a window close by itself only if it reverses before 100 N, which a module that has lost track of the glass cannot ensure. International Rectifier's US6906487B2 drives such a motor through an H-bridge with short-circuit and overtemperature cut-off.
B0503 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0503
- Right rear window does not open or moves only jerkily
- One-touch closing and pinch protection disabled
- Window stops short of the top seal or runs past it with noise
Common causes of B0503
- Most likelyRegulator cable or guide slipped, glass travel no longer matches
- PossibleRight rear window motor worn or internally faulty
- PossibleMotor or door plug corroded by water in the door
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Right rear window motorRear door moduleBody control module
What each part of B0503 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). |
| 03 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0503 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 B0503
What does B0503 mean?
B0503 means "Right Rear Power Window Circuit Malfunction". Public J2012 lists do not contain B0503, and no carmaker publishes a description, so the code is unverified. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0503?
B0503 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0503 fail an emissions test?
B0503 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 B0503 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will B0503 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.