B0950 code meaning
Heated Rear Window Circuit
What B0950 means
None of the accessible J2012 lists, OEM manuals or NHTSA bulletins mention B0950; it is therefore unverified. The title refers to the electrically heated rear window. GM-era Saab cars monitor this heater under other numbers: in the 2011 Saab 9-5 the climate control module energises the relay coil that switches battery voltage to the grid, and faults on that control line are stored as B0283. The 9-3 checks the relay output in the rear electrical centre (B0283 06 below 6 V) and the indicator lamp in the button separately (B0969 02 above 1 A). A broken grid line or a loose tab on the glass usually disables only part of the heated area, while relay or supply faults stop it entirely. The main consequence is poor rear visibility in cold or damp weather.
B0950 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0950
- Rear window does not clear when the heater is switched on
- Only some heater lines warm up
- Indicator in the button does not light
Common causes of B0950
- Most likelyBroken heater line or detached terminal tab on the glass
- PossibleRear defogger relay faulty
- PossibleWire break in the tailgate or trunk lid harness
- Less likelyClimate 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
Rear window heating elementRear defrost relayBody control module
What each part of B0950 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). |
| 50 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0950 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 B0950
What does B0950 mean?
B0950 means "Heated Rear Window Circuit". None of the accessible J2012 lists, OEM manuals or NHTSA bulletins mention B0950; it is therefore unverified. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0950?
B0950 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0950 fail an emissions test?
B0950 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 B0950 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will B0950 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.