B1697 Code - Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left
Quick Answer
The Side Collision Sensor Left (LH) circuit is composed of the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly, Side Airbag Sensor Left, and Rear Airbag Sensor Left. Common causes include Faulty Side Airbag Sensor Left (LH), Side Airbag Sensor Left harness is open or shorted, Side 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
- B1697 indicates Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Faulty Side Airbag Sensor Left (LH), Side Airbag Sensor Left harness is open or shorted, Side 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.
Code B1697 Description
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1697?
- Faulty Side Airbag Sensor Left (LH)
- Side Airbag Sensor Left harness is open or shorted
- Side Airbag Sensor Left circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty Center Airbag Sensor Assembly
How to Fix the DTC B1697?
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 B1697 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.
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Information for Specific Makes
- B1697 Ford — Mirror Driver/Passenger Switch Circuit Short To Battery
- B1697 Lexus — Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left
- B1697 Lincoln — Mirror Driver/Passenger Switch Circuit Short To Battery
- B1697 Mercury — Mirror Driver/Passenger Switch Circuit Short To Battery
- B1697 Scion — Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left
- B1697 Toyota — Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about B1697 Code
1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B1697?
- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the left side door airbag system.
2. What could cause the OBDII code B1697 to appear?
- The code B1697 may be triggered by a communication failure between the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system and the door side airbag sensor on the left side.
3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code B1697?
- Diagnosis involves checking the wiring and connections between the vehicle's diagnostic system and the left side door airbag sensor for any damage or loose connections.
4. Can a DIY enthusiast repair OBDII code B1697?
- Repairing this code may require professional expertise due to the complexity of the airbag system. It is recommended to consult a qualified mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair.
5. Are there any safety concerns associated with OBDII code B1697?
- Yes, unresolved issues with the door side airbag sensor can affect the proper deployment of the airbag during a collision, compromising passenger safety.
6. How much does it typically cost to fix OBDII code B1697?
- Repair costs for OBDII code B1697 can vary depending on the extent of the issue and the specific vehicle model. It is advisable to get a diagnostic assessment from a mechanic for an accurate estimate.
7. Can driving with OBDII code B1697 pose any risks?
- Driving with unresolved airbag system issues indicated by code B1697 can pose a risk in the event of a collision as the left side airbag may not deploy as intended.
8. Is it safe to reset OBDII code B1697 without fixing the underlying issue?
- Resetting the code without addressing the root cause can temporarily clear the warning light but will not resolve the underlying problem with the door side airbag sensor.
9. How long does it take to repair OBDII code B1697?
- The repair time for OBDII code B1697 can vary depending on the exact cause of the communication failure and the complexity of the repair process. It is best to consult with a mechanic for a timeline.
10. Can OBDII code B1697 affect the overall functionality of the vehicle?
- While the code specifically relates to the door side airbag sensor, unresolved issues can potentially impact the overall safety and performance of the vehicle's airbag system.
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