AutoCodesGeneric – B1185

B1185 Code - Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner Short

Quick Answer

The Air Bag Sensor Unit (Air Bag Control Module) monitors the Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner. Common causes include Faulty Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner, Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner harness is open or shorted, Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
B1185 indicates Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner Short.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner, Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner harness is open or shorted, Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 2,803
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Feb 26, 2019
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Code B1185 Description

The Air Bag Sensor Unit (Air Bag Control Module) monitors the Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner. The Air Bag Sensor Unit sets the OBDII code when the circuits for the front Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner are shorted to each other.
OBDII Code B1185 - Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner Short - AutoCodes.com
B1185 Code - Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner Short

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1185?

  • Faulty Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner
  • Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner harness is open or shorted
  • Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Air Bag Sensor Unit (Air Bag Control Module)

How to Fix the DTC B1185?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B1185 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the B1185 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1185 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1185 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

  • B1185 Lexus — Short In Passenger Side Air Bag Second Stage Squib Circuit
  • B1185 Nissan — Left Front Seat Belt Buckle Pre-Tensioner Short
  • B1185 Scion — Short In Passenger Side Air Bag Second Stage Squib Circuit
  • B1185 Toyota — Short In Passenger Side Air Bag Second Stage Squib Circuit

Precautions for SRS “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER” Service

  • Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, side air curtain modules or seat belts.
  • Never disassemble or tamper with safety belt buckle/retractor pretensioners, adaptive load limiting retractors, safety belt inflators, or probe the electrical connectors.
  • Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuits unless instructed to in this Service Manual.
  • Before servicing the SRS, turn ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 3 minutes. For approximately 3 minutes after the cables are removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner to deploy. Therefore, do not work on any SRS connectors or wires until at least 3 minutes have passed.

Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B1185 Code

1. What does the OBDII code B1185 mean?

B1185 indicates a short circuit in the left front seat belt buckle pre-tensioner circuit, often related to the vehicle's safety restraint system.

2. What are the common symptoms of code B1185?

The airbag warning light may illuminate, and the seat belt pre-tensioner may not function properly in the event of a collision.

3. What causes the B1185 code?

Possible causes include damaged wiring, a faulty seat belt buckle pre-tensioner, poor electrical connections, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

4. Can I still drive with a B1185 code?

While the car may be drivable, the safety restraint system may not function correctly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

5. How is the B1185 code diagnosed?

A technician will use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect the wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion, and test the seat belt buckle pre-tensioner for proper operation.

6. How do you fix a B1185 code?

Repairs may involve replacing the seat belt buckle pre-tensioner, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or addressing issues with the airbag control module.

7. How much does it cost to fix a B1185 code?

Repair costs vary but typically range from $150 to $500, depending on whether the pre-tensioner or wiring needs replacement.

8. Can a B1185 code trigger the airbag warning light?

Yes, this code often causes the airbag warning light to illuminate as it indicates a fault in the safety restraint system.

9. Is a B1185 code a serious issue?

Yes, it is a serious issue because it compromises the functionality of the seat belt pre-tensioner, which is a critical safety feature.

10. Can I clear the B1185 code without repairs?

Clearing the code without addressing the root cause may temporarily turn off the warning light, but the issue will likely return and compromise safety.

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