B0980 code meaning
Ignition Switch Run/Start Position Circuit
What B0980 means
Public sources give no meaning for B0980: J2012 extracts and OEM or NHTSA documents leave it out. The title concerns the signal by which the ignition switch reports its run and start positions. GM-era Saab vehicles use other numbers for this: the 9-3 column module sets B1440 0F when the +15 supply from the ignition switch module is open and B1368 00 when that input is shorted to battery; in both cases it blocks cranking and deactivates the steering lock. GM's 2011 Saab 9-5 energises an ignition 1 relay in run and start and stores B144A 02 for a grounded control line, giving a no-start or an engine that keeps running after the key is removed. FMVSS 114 defines the key-operated starting system and its anti-theft requirements.
B0980 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0980
- Engine does not crank although the key is turned
- Ignition cannot be switched off or key cannot be removed
- Steering lock or electrical consumers behave erratically
Common causes of B0980
- Most likelyWorn contacts in the ignition switch
- PossibleOpen or shorted ignition feed wire
- PossibleIgnition relay or its control line faulty
- Less likelyLow battery voltage causing implausible signals
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Ignition switchBody control module
What each part of B0980 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). |
| 80 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0980 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 B0980
What does B0980 mean?
B0980 means "Ignition Switch Run/Start Position Circuit". Public sources give no meaning for B0980: J2012 extracts and OEM or NHTSA documents leave it out. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0980?
B0980 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0980 fail an emissions test?
B0980 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 B0980 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will B0980 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.