AutoCodes – Scion – B1861 Scion

B1861 Scion 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 Scion 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

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

Code Popularity 1,606

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
Add Comment

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

Code B1861 Scion 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 Scion - Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B1861 Scion Code - Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1861 Scion?

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 Scion?

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 Scion 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 Scion code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1861 Scion 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 B1861 Scion Code

1. What are common symptoms of the OBDII code B1861 for an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and a potential loss of functionality of the driver side knee airbag.

2. What are possible causes of the B1861 OBDII code indicating an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

- Possible causes include a damaged wiring harness, a faulty knee airbag squib, poor electrical connections, or water damage.

3. How can I diagnose the B1861 OBDII code related to an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

- Diagnosis typically involves using a professional OBDII scanner to read and interpret the code, as well as performing a thorough inspection of the wiring and components in the driver side knee airbag system.

4. Can I still drive my Scion with the B1861 OBDII code present indicating an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as it signifies a potential issue with the driver side knee airbag system, which could affect its functionality in the event of an accident.

5. How should the B1861 OBDII code for an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit be repaired?

- Repairing this code typically involves identifying and fixing the root cause of the open circuit, which may require replacing damaged wiring, repairing connections, or replacing the knee airbag squib.

6. Are there any safety concerns associated with the B1861 OBDII code for an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

- Yes, there are safety concerns as the driver side knee airbag may not deploy properly in a crash if this issue is not addressed promptly.

7. Can I reset the B1861 OBDII code related to an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit myself?

- While you can clear the code with an OBDII scanner, it is crucial to address the underlying problem causing the code to prevent future safety risks.

8. How long does it typically take to repair the B1861 OBDII code for an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

- Repair time can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may take a few hours to a full day to diagnose and fix the open circuit problem.

9. Is the B1861 OBDII code indicating an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit a common issue in Scion vehicles?

- While it may not be extremely common, issues with the driver side knee airbag squib circuit can occur in Scion vehicles and other makes and models as well.

10. Can I prevent the B1861 OBDII code from appearing again after repairing the open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

- To prevent the code from reoccurring, it's essential to ensure all repairs are done correctly, maintain the airbag system regularly, and address any potential issues promptly.