AutoCodes – Mercury – B13B3 Mercury

B13B3 Mercury Code - Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit

Quick Answer

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) analyzes the deployment loop resistance to determine if a fault exists. Common causes include Faulty Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt, Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt harness is open or shorted, Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt 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: B13B3 Mercury indicates Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt, Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt harness is open or shorted, Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt 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 1,144

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 21, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B13B3 Mercury Description

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) analyzes the deployment loop resistance to determine if a fault exists. The value displayed in the Parameter Identification (PID) is the deployment loop resistance measured by the Restraints Control Module (RCM). If the value displayed is lower or higher than the desired range, the Restraints Control Module (RCM) can set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). As the deployment loop resistance drifts farther outside the desired range, the chance for a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) increases. Small variations in resistance can occur due to the effect of road vibrations on terminal fit. Crimps and terminals can be affected by stress and harness movement and can cause an increase in resistance due to wire strain. These variables can result in an intermittent fault. For this reason, the test requires the Parameter Identification (PID) value to be within the desired range before the fault is considered repaired, regardless if the module is reporting an on-demand Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) at the time of diagnosis. Following this direction helps make sure that minor changes in resistance do not create a repeat concern.

OBDII Code B13B3 Mercury - Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B13B3 Mercury Code - Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B13B3 Mercury?

Faulty Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt
Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt harness is open or shorted
Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM)

How to Fix the DTC B13B3 Mercury?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

B13B3:11 Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit Short to Ground
B13B3:12 Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit Short to Battery
B13B3:13 Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit Open
B13B3:1A Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit Resistance Below Threshold

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B13B3 Mercury 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 B13B3 Mercury code?

Need more information on how to fix the B13B3 Mercury code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B13B3 Mercury code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 B13B3 Mercury Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B13B3 in a Mercury related to the Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the left inflatable seatbelt in the second row.

2. What are possible causes of OBDII code B13B3 in a Mercury?

- Possible causes may include a faulty inflatable seatbelt control module, damaged wiring or connectors in the deployment control circuit, or a malfunctioning inflatable seatbelt itself.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code B13B3 in my Mercury?

- Diagnosis typically involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the inflatable seatbelt system components for damage, and testing the wiring and connectors for continuity.

4. Can I still drive my Mercury with OBDII code B13B3 present?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with an active airbag fault code, as it may affect the proper deployment of the inflatable seatbelt in case of an accident.

5. How can I repair OBDII code B13B3 in my Mercury?

- Repair options may include replacing the faulty inflatable seatbelt control module, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or replacing the inflatable seatbelt itself as needed.

6. Are there any safety risks associated with OBDII code B13B3 in a Mercury?

- Yes, there are safety risks as the code indicates a potential issue with the inflatable seatbelt deployment system, which may affect its proper function in the event of a collision.

7. Can resetting the OBDII system clear code B13B3 in my Mercury?

- While resetting the OBDII system may temporarily clear the fault code, it is important to diagnose and address the underlying issue to prevent it from reoccurring.

8. Is OBDII code B13B3 specific to Mercury vehicles only?

- OBDII code B13B3 related to the Second Row Left Inflatable Seatbelt Deployment Control Circuit is specific to Mercury vehicles equipped with this particular system.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast repair OBDII code B13B3 in a Mercury?

- Depending on the level of expertise and access to tools, a DIY enthusiast may be able to diagnose and repair simple causes like damaged wiring or connectors, but more complex issues may require professional assistance.

10. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B13B3 in a Mercury at a dealership or repair shop?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may involve diagnostic fees, parts replacement costs, and labor charges, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.