B0990: Body Control Module Internal Fault
The body control module (BCM) has detected an internal fault and may need to be replaced.
What B0990 means
B0990 is a generic OBD-II body code in the other body group.
- Check engine light
- Usually off
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Warning light or symbol related to the affected system
- Comfort or safety function impaired
Common causes
- 01BCM internal hardware faultMost likely
- 02Voltage spike damage from jump-startPossible
- 03Water intrusion at modulePossible
Can I drive with B0990?
Generally yes.
This fault is unlikely to affect how the car drives. Fix it when convenient to restore the affected feature.
Why we rate it low
- Does not normally turn on the check engine light
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose B0990
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just B0990. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Fix other faults first
If other codes are stored, start with power-supply, sensor-circuit and communication codes. They can cause this code as a side effect.
- 3
Check live data
Watch the related sensor and actuator readings in live data (Body control module) and compare them with expected values in the service information for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: BCM internal hardware fault; voltage spike damage from jump-start; water intrusion at module. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
B0990 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Involved testing or major parts. Most owners use a shop.
Parts and systems involved
- Body control module
B0990 FAQ
What does B0990 mean?
B0990 means “Body Control Module Internal Fault”. The body control module (BCM) has detected an internal fault and may need to be replaced.
Is B0990 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate B0990 as low severity. Generally yes. This fault is unlikely to affect how the car drives. Fix it when convenient to restore the affected feature.
What causes B0990?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: BCM internal hardware fault; Voltage spike damage from jump-start; Water intrusion at module. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix B0990?
Typical labor is about $190–$625 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix B0990 myself?
DIY difficulty is hard. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will B0990 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.