B0601 code meaning
Mirror Adjustment Passenger Side Circuit
What B0601 means
B0601 is not covered by the public J2012 lists or by any accessible manufacturer documentation. By title it concerns the adjustment circuit of the passenger exterior mirror; FMVSS 111 only demands that it can be tilted, not remote control from the driving position, yet most are motorised. TI's application brief describes the usual layout: two small brushed motors below 1 A, driven by three half-bridges sharing one common leg. Saab's 9-3 passenger door module logs B1723 02 or B1724 01 for a shorted motor output. GM's 2011 Saab 9-5 drives this mirror from the passenger window switch; an internal fault there sets B154B 39 and suspends mirror movement while it persists, and the stored code clears after 40 cycles.
B0601 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0601
- Passenger mirror cannot be adjusted electrically
- Reverse tilt-down or memory position of the mirror missing
- Driver mirror usually keeps working
Common causes of B0601
- Most likelyPassenger mirror motor seized or worn
- PossibleShared motor line shorted, affecting both axes
- PossibleWire break in the passenger door hinge passage
- Less likelyPassenger door module or window switch electronics faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Passenger mirror motorDoor module
What each part of B0601 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). |
| 01 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0601 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 B0601
What does B0601 mean?
B0601 means "Mirror Adjustment Passenger Side Circuit". B0601 is not covered by the public J2012 lists or by any accessible manufacturer documentation. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0601?
B0601 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0601 fail an emissions test?
B0601 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 B0601 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will B0601 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.