AutoCodes – Generic – B1861

B1861 Code - Open 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: B1861 indicates Open 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 8,881

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 Dec 02, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1861 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 B1861 - Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B1861 Code - Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1861?

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 B1861?

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 B1861 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 B1861 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1861 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1861 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B1861 Lexus — Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit
B1861 Scion — Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit
B1861 Toyota — Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit

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 B1861 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1861?

The common symptoms of OBDII code B1861, Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit, include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential loss of functionality in the driver side knee airbag.

2. What can cause OBDII code B1861 to trigger?

OBDII code B1861 is typically triggered by an open circuit in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit, which can be caused by wiring issues, a faulty squib circuit, or a blown fuse.

3. How serious is OBDII code B1861?

OBDII code B1861 should be taken seriously, as it indicates a potential issue with the driver side knee airbag system. It is important to address this code promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the airbag in the event of a collision.

4. Can I still drive my vehicle with OBDII code B1861 present?

It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with OBDII code B1861 present, as it indicates a problem with the driver side knee airbag system. Driving with a malfunctioning airbag can compromise your safety in the event of an accident.

5. How can I diagnose OBDII code B1861?

Diagnosing OBDII code B1861 may require a professional OBDII scanner to read the fault codes and pinpoint the specific issue in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit. It is recommended to consult a qualified mechanic for an accurate diagnosis.

6. What are some repair tips for OBDII code B1861?

Repairing OBDII code B1861 may involve inspecting the wiring harness for damage, testing the driver side knee airbag squib circuit, and replacing any faulty components as needed. It is important to follow the manufacturer's repair procedures for this specific code.

7. Can I reset OBDII code B1861 myself?

While you may be able to clear the code temporarily using an OBDII scanner, it is crucial to address the underlying issue causing OBDII code B1861. Simply resetting the code without fixing the root cause can lead to recurring problems and jeopardize your safety.

8. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code B1861?

The cost to repair OBDII code B1861 can vary depending on the extent of the issue, the parts needed for replacement, and the labor rates of the repair shop. It is advisable to obtain estimates from different mechanics to compare prices.

9. Is OBDII code B1861 a common issue in certain vehicle models?

OBDII code B1861, Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit, can be a common issue in certain vehicle models known for airbag system problems. It is recommended to check with your vehicle manufacturer or online forums to see if there are any known issues related to this code in your specific model.

10. How can I prevent OBDII code B1861 from occurring in the future?

To prevent OBDII code B1861 from occurring in the future, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks on your vehicle's airbag system, including inspecting the wiring harness for damage, ensuring proper connections, and addressing any warning lights immediately.