B0533 code meaning
Right Rear Door Lock Actuator Circuit
What B0533 means
B0533 is absent from the J2012 lists that can be consulted publicly; GM's PIP5094 merely names it as a circuit keyword for 2014-and-earlier models without saying what it covers. The title assigns it to the lock motor of the right rear door. In the Saab 9-3 the right rear door module watches this motor and reports B3135 02 if its line is shorted to ground while the car is being locked or unlocked. Rear doors often add a second actuator: the 2011 Saab 9-5 drives a child security relay feeding both rear latches and stores B3930 02 when that circuit is grounded, which also takes the power locks out of service. Separating such a child-lock fault from the main lock motor is the first diagnostic step. Left rear: B0532.
B0533 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor1 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0533
- Right rear door stays locked or unlocked
- Electric child lock at the rear may not engage
- Power locks inoperative if a shared rear circuit is grounded
Common causes of B0533
- Most likelyRight rear lock motor worn or jammed
- PossibleElectric child lock motor or its wiring shorted
- PossibleBroken wire in the right rear door trunk
- Less likelyRear door or body module output faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Right rear door lock actuatorBody control module
What each part of B0533 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). |
| 33 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0533 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 B0533
What does B0533 mean?
B0533 means "Right Rear Door Lock Actuator Circuit". B0533 is absent from the J2012 lists that can be consulted publicly; GM's PIP5094 merely names it as a circuit keyword for 2014-and-earlier models without saying what it covers. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0533?
B0533 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0533 fail an emissions test?
B0533 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 B0533 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will B0533 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.