B0831 code meaning
Right Front Turn Signal Circuit
What B0831 means
B0831 has no published definition; J2012 extracts, factory literature and NHTSA records are silent on it. Its title names the right front indicator circuit. In the GM-era Saab 9-3 this lamp is checked as B0525 by the front electrical centre, with the same limits as on the left: under 50 mA means open (04), while over 6 A lasting beyond 6 ms is read as a short to ground (02) and cuts the output. The same number B0525 is reused by the rear centre for the right rear lamp, so the module reporting the code matters. FMVSS 108 makes every car carry a flasher, a pilot indicator and a hazard warning system. HELLA lists defective bulbs, corroded contacts and damaged plugs as the common culprits. Left front: B0830; right rear: B0841.
B0831 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.2 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0831
- Right front indicator dark when signalling right
- Changed flash rate or steady pilot light in the cluster
- Hazard lights incomplete on the right front corner
Common causes of B0831
- Most likelyRight front indicator bulb failed
- PossibleWater in the lamp housing corroding the contacts
- PossibleWire damaged after front-end repair or impact
- Less likelyFront electrical centre output faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Right front turn signalBody control module
What each part of B0831 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). |
| 31 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0831 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 B0831
What does B0831 mean?
B0831 means "Right Front Turn Signal Circuit". B0831 has no published definition; J2012 extracts, factory literature and NHTSA records are silent on it. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0831?
B0831 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0831 fail an emissions test?
B0831 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 B0831 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.2 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will B0831 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.