B0811 code meaning
Right Headlamp Low Beam Circuit
What B0811 means
No J2012 excerpt or published service text uses B0811, which leaves the code undocumented. The title names the right dipped-beam circuit. In GM's 2011 Saab 9-5 the body control module powers low beam or daytime running lamps, while a separate headlamp control module stores B2699 (02 grounded, 04 open, 00 malfunction) when it sees a commanded lamp stay dark. The older 9-3 uses the same number B2699 for its right dipped beam and sets 04 below 0.8 A or 0B at 7.9–30 A, for instance after a bulb of the wrong rating has been fitted. FMVSS 108 sets the lower-beam requirements every car has to meet. A failed right dipped beam leaves the kerb side poorly lit at night and should be fixed quickly. Left side: B0810.
B0811 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.2 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0811
- Right dipped beam or daytime running lamp stays dark
- Lamp warning shown in the instrument cluster
- Kerb side poorly lit at night; have it repaired promptly
Common causes of B0811
- Most likelyRight low-beam bulb or LED unit failed
- PossibleIncorrect bulb rating after a replacement
- PossibleOpen or grounded supply wire to the headlamp
- Less likelyHeadlamp or body control 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 low beam lampBody control module
What each part of B0811 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). |
| 11 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0811 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 B0811
What does B0811 mean?
B0811 means "Right Headlamp Low Beam Circuit". No J2012 excerpt or published service text uses B0811, which leaves the code undocumented. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0811?
B0811 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0811 fail an emissions test?
B0811 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 B0811 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.2 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will B0811 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.