AutoCodesGeneric – B1860

B1860 Code - Short in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit

Quick Answer

The Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit consists of the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly and the Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly. Common causes include Faulty Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly (Driver Side Knee Squib), Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly harness is open or shorted, Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly 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
B1860 indicates Short in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly (Driver Side Knee Squib), Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly harness is open or shorted, Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly 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 11,183
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Dec 02, 2022
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Code B1860 Description

The Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit consists of the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly and the Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly. This circuit instructs the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) to deploy when deployment conditions are met. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is stored when a malfunction is detected in the Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit.
OBDII Code B1860 - Short in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit - AutoCodes.com
B1860 Code - Short in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1860?

  • Faulty Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly (Driver Side Knee Squib)
  • Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly harness is open or shorted
  • Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Center Airbag Sensor Assembly

How to Fix the DTC B1860?

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 B1860 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 B1860 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1860 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1860 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 B1860 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1860 (Short in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit)?

- The common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard and a diagnostic trouble code related to the driver side knee airbag circuit.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1860?

- The code B1860 is typically caused by a short circuit in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit, which may be due to damaged wiring, a defective squib, or a faulty airbag module.

3. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B1860?

- Diagnosing the issue involves using a scan tool to read the trouble codes, inspecting the wiring harness and connectors for damage, and testing the driver side knee airbag squib resistance for shorts.

4. Are there any safety concerns associated with OBDII code B1860?

- Yes, there are safety concerns as the driver side knee airbag may not deploy properly in the event of a collision if the issue causing code B1860 is not addressed promptly.

5. Can I continue driving my vehicle with OBDII code B1860 present?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the code B1860 active, as the driver side knee airbag may not function correctly in the event of an accident.

6. How can I repair OBDII code B1860?

- Repairing the code B1860 involves locating and repairing the short in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit, which may require repairing or replacing damaged wiring, the squib, or the airbag module.

7. Can I reset the OBDII code B1860 without fixing the underlying issue?

- Resetting the code without addressing the underlying issue will only temporarily clear the code, and it will likely reappear once the fault is detected again during system checks.

8. Are there any DIY repair tips for resolving OBDII code B1860?

- DIY repair tips include carefully inspecting the wiring for damage, ensuring proper connections, and testing the resistance of the driver side knee airbag squib to identify the short circuit.

9. Is it necessary to take my vehicle to a mechanic for OBDII code B1860 repair?

- While some DIY enthusiasts may be able to address the issue themselves, it is recommended to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic to ensure proper diagnosis and repair of the airbag system.

10. How can I prevent OBDII code B1860 from occurring in the future?

- To prevent code B1860, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks on the airbag system, avoid tampering with the wiring, and address any issues promptly to maintain the safety of the vehicle.

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