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DTC codes / B01xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B010B

B010BCamera Washer Actuator B

B010B indicates a fault in the camera washer actuator circuit, which is the small pump or motor that sprays cleaning fluid onto the rearview or surround-view camera lens. The body control module or camera control module has detected an abnormal electrical condition, such as an open circuit, short to ground, or short to power, in the actuator's control or feedback wiring.

SystemBody
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityLow
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaAirbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems

Symptoms you may notice

  • The camera washer does not spray fluid when activated, leaving the lens dirty and the camera image obscured.
  • A warning light or message on the dashboard indicating a camera system fault or washer system malfunction.
  • The washer pump may run continuously or at unexpected times if the circuit is shorted to power.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the driver rarely uses the camera washer function.
  • The camera washer may work intermittently, depending on temperature or vibration affecting a loose connection.
  • Other camera-based driver assistance features, such as lane keeping or parking aids, may be disabled or degraded.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A failed camera washer actuator motor or pump, often due to corrosion or fluid ingress.
  2. A blown fuse or relay that supplies power to the camera washer circuit.
  3. Damaged or corroded wiring harness connectors at the actuator or control module.
  4. An open circuit in the power or ground wire between the control module and the actuator.
  5. A short to ground or short to power in the actuator control circuit, often from chafed wiring.
  6. A faulty body control module or camera control module that is not commanding the actuator correctly.
  7. A clogged washer nozzle or frozen fluid that increases current draw and sets an overcurrent fault.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Check the fuse and relay for the camera washer circuit and replace any that are blown or faulty.
  2. Inspect the washer fluid reservoir level and ensure the correct fluid is used, not frozen or contaminated.
  3. Disconnect the actuator connector and check for battery voltage and ground on the supply circuits with a multimeter.
  4. Measure the resistance of the actuator motor and compare it to the manufacturer's specification to rule out an open or shorted winding.
  5. Inspect the wiring harness for damage, chafing, or corrosion, especially near the camera and along the rear hatch or bumper.
  6. Command the actuator on with a scan tool and observe whether it operates and whether the fault returns immediately.
  7. If the circuit and actuator test good, suspect the control module and perform pinpoint tests according to the service information before replacement.

Camera washer faults that fool good technicians

  • A clogged or frozen washer nozzle can cause the actuator to draw excessive current and set B010B, so always verify fluid flow before condemning the motor.
  • The camera washer often shares a fuse or relay with other washer functions, so a blown fuse may be caused by a short in a different part of the system.
  • Corrosion inside the actuator connector is a common cause that is easily missed if only the motor is tested and the pins are not inspected closely.
  • Some vehicles use a smart actuator with built-in electronics, and a failed module can set this code even when the motor itself is good.
  • B010B can be stored intermittently by a loose ground connection that only acts up under vibration, so wiggle tests and voltage drop checks are essential.

Can I keep driving with B010B?

The vehicle remains safe to drive because the camera washer is a convenience feature and does not affect braking, steering, or engine operation. However, a dirty camera lens can degrade parking aids and driver assistance systems, so clean the lens manually and avoid relying on camera-based features until the fault is repaired.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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