P1678 — Drive By Wire MIL Circuit Short To Ground

What Does P1678 Mean?

P1678 is a manufacturer-specific diagnostic trouble code: Drive By Wire MIL Circuit Short To Ground. This code applies to VOLKSWAGEN, ACURA, HONDA, INFINITI vehicles. Unlike generic OBD-II codes, manufacturer-specific codes are defined by the vehicle maker and may only apply to certain makes and models.

Symptoms of P1678

⚠️ Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
⚠️ Drive By Wire MIL not functioning as expected
⚠️ Related system may be in fail-safe mode
⚠️ Reduced engine performance

Common Causes

🔍 Faulty Drive By Wire MIL
🔍 Wiring or connector issue in Drive By Wire MIL circuit
🔍 Related mechanical or electrical fault
🔍 ECM/PCM issue (rare)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P1678 mean?

P1678 indicates: Drive By Wire MIL Circuit Short To Ground. The vehicle's computer has detected that the Drive By Wire MIL is not operating within its expected parameters and stored this diagnostic trouble code.

Can I drive with code P1678?

You can drive short distances for essential trips, but schedule a diagnosis soon. Driving with P1678 for extended periods may cause additional problems.

How much does it cost to fix P1678?

Repair costs for P1678 typically range from $80 to $300, depending on the root cause. Simple wiring or connector repairs are on the lower end, while component replacement costs more. A proper diagnosis ($80–$150 at most shops) will identify the exact cause before committing to expensive parts.

What To Do Next

Possible Fixes

🔧 Inspect Drive By Wire MIL and related wiring
🔧 Replace faulty Drive By Wire MIL

1
Find your vehicle above
Click your make and model for real owner reports and common causes specific to your vehicle.
2
Check for recalls
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if covered.
3
Get a professional diagnosis
A code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. A diagnostic ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause.

P1678: Drive By Wire MIL Circuit Short To Ground