AutoCodes – Mercury – B1404 Mercury

B1404 Mercury Code - Driver Side Airbag Deployment Control Circuit

Quick Answer

The Restraint Control Module (RCM) analyzes the deployment loop resistance to determine if a fault exists. Common causes include Faulty Driver Side Airbag, Driver Side Airbag harness is open or shorted, Driver Side Airbag 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: B1404 Mercury indicates Driver Side Airbag Deployment Control Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Driver Side Airbag, Driver Side Airbag harness is open or shorted, Driver Side Airbag 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 654

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 Apr 04, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code B1404 Mercury Description

The Restraint Control Module (RCM) analyzes the deployment loop resistance to determine if a fault exists. The value displayed in the PID is the deployment loop resistance measured by the RCM. If the value displayed is lower or higher than the desired range, the RCM can set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). As the deployment loop resistance drifts farther outside the desired range, the chance for a 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 PID value to be within the desired range before the fault is considered repaired, regardless if the module is reporting an on-demand 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 B1404 Mercury - Driver Side Airbag Deployment Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B1404 Mercury Code - Driver Side Airbag Deployment Control Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1404 Mercury?

Faulty Driver Side Airbag
Driver Side Airbag harness is open or shorted
Driver Side Airbag circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Restraint Control Module (RCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1404 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

B1404:11 Driver Side Airbag Deployment Control Circuit Short to Ground
B1404:12 Driver Side Airbag Deployment Control Circuit Short to Battery
B1404:13 Driver Side Airbag Deployment Control Circuit Open
B1404:1A Driver Side Airbag Deployment Control Circuit Resistance Below Threshold

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B1404 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 B1404 Mercury code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1404 Mercury code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1404 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 B1404 Mercury Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1404 on a Mercury related to the driver side airbag deployment control circuit?

The common symptoms include an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard, non-functional driver side airbag, and potential vehicle diagnostic trouble codes related to the airbag system.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1404 on a Mercury?

Possible causes can include a faulty driver side airbag module, damaged wiring or connectors in the airbag system, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B1404 on my Mercury related to the driver side airbag circuit?

Diagnosis typically involves using a scan tool to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the driver side airbag connections and wiring for damage, and testing the airbag module for proper functionality.

4. Is it safe to drive my Mercury with OBDII code B1404 related to the driver side airbag circuit?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with a malfunctioning airbag system, as it may compromise occupant safety in the event of a collision. Have the issue diagnosed and repaired promptly.

5. Can I reset the OBDII code B1404 on my Mercury without fixing the underlying issue?

Resetting the code without addressing the root cause will not solve the problem. The code will likely reappear once the vehicle's systems detect the issue again. Proper diagnosis and repair are necessary.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1404 on a Mercury's driver side airbag circuit?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, parts needed for replacement, and labor rates. It is recommended to consult a professional technician for an accurate estimate.

7. Are there any DIY repair tips for addressing OBDII code B1404 related to the driver side airbag circuit on a Mercury?

DIY repairs for airbag systems are not recommended due to the complexity and safety risks involved. It is best to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic or dealership with experience in airbag system repairs.

8. How long does it take to repair OBDII code B1404 on a Mercury's driver side airbag circuit?

The repair time can vary depending on the extent of the issue and the availability of parts. Some repairs may be completed within a few hours, while more complex issues could take longer.

9. Can OBDII code B1404 on a Mercury be caused by a loose connection in the driver side airbag circuit?

Yes, a loose or poor connection in the driver side airbag circuit can trigger the B1404 fault code. Inspecting and securing all connections is an essential step in diagnosing the issue.

10. Is it necessary to have the airbag system inspected after repairing OBDII code B1404 on a Mercury?

Yes, it is crucial to have the airbag system inspected and tested after repairing any related fault codes to ensure that the system is functioning correctly and will deploy as intended in case of an accident.