AutoCodesGeneric – B1637

B1637 Code - Lost Communication With Rear Airbag Sensor Left

Quick Answer

The Side Airbag Sensor Left (LH) or Rear Airbag Sensor Right (RH) consists of the Diagnostic Circuit, the Lateral Deceleration Sensor, etc. Common causes include Faulty Rear Airbag Sensor Left (LH), Rear Airbag Sensor Left harness is open or shorted, Rear Airbag Sensor Left 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
B1637 indicates Lost Communication With Rear Airbag Sensor Left.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Rear Airbag Sensor Left (LH), Rear Airbag Sensor Left harness is open or shorted, Rear Airbag Sensor Left 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 7,941
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 10, 2022
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Code B1637 Description

The Side Airbag Sensor Left (LH) or Rear Airbag Sensor Right (RH) consists of the Diagnostic Circuit, the Lateral Deceleration Sensor, etc. If the Center Airbag Sensor receives signals from the Lateral Deceleration Sensor, it determines whether the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) should be activated. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1637 is stored when a malfunction is detected in the Rear Airbag Sensor Left circuit.
OBDII Code B1637 - Lost Communication With Rear Airbag Sensor Left - AutoCodes.com
B1637 Code - Lost Communication With Rear Airbag Sensor Left

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1637?

  • Faulty Rear Airbag Sensor Left (LH)
  • Rear Airbag Sensor Left harness is open or shorted
  • Rear Airbag Sensor Left circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Center Airbag Sensor Assembly

How to Fix the DTC B1637?

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 B1637 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 B1637 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1637 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1637 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

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 B1637 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1637 (Lost Communication With Rear Airbag Sensor Left)?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the left rear airbag system.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1637?

- Potential causes include a faulty rear airbag sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, or a communication error within the vehicle's network.

3. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B1637?

- Diagnosing the issue involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the trouble codes, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, and testing the rear airbag sensor for proper functionality.

4. Can I continue driving my vehicle with OBDII code B1637 present?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with an active airbag-related fault code, as it may compromise the safety of the airbag system in the event of a collision.

5. How can I repair OBDII code B1637 (Lost Communication With Rear Airbag Sensor Left)?

- Repairing the issue may involve replacing the faulty rear airbag sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, checking and replacing any blown fuses, and clearing the trouble codes with a diagnostic scanner.

6. Is it possible to reset OBDII code B1637 without fixing the underlying issue?

- Resetting the code without addressing the root cause may temporarily clear the warning light, but the issue will likely reoccur until the problem is properly diagnosed and repaired.

7. Are there any safety concerns associated with OBDII code B1637?

- Yes, unresolved airbag system faults can pose a safety risk by potentially preventing the airbags from deploying correctly in the event of a collision.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code B1637 at home?

- Depending on the individual's skill level and access to tools, some DIY enthusiasts may be able to diagnose and repair this issue at home. However, working with airbag systems requires caution and expertise.

9. How much can I expect to pay to repair OBDII code B1637 at a professional auto repair shop?

- The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may involve diagnostic fees, parts replacement costs, and labor charges. It's advisable to obtain quotes from multiple repair shops.

10. Will fixing OBDII code B1637 require resetting the airbag system or performing any special procedures?

- After repairing the issue, it may be necessary to clear the trouble codes and reset the airbag system using a diagnostic scanner to ensure proper functionality and safety.

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