AutoCodes – Toyota – B1861 Toyota

B1861 Toyota 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 Toyota 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 13,474

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1861 Toyota?

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 Toyota?

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 Toyota 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 Toyota code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

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

Information for Specific Toyota Models

B1861 2013 Toyota RAV4 — Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit
B1861 2014 Toyota RAV4 — Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit
B1861 2015 Toyota RAV4 — Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit
B1861 2016 Toyota RAV4 — Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit
B1861 2017 Toyota RAV4 — Open in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit
B1861 2018 Toyota RAV4 — 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 Toyota Code

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

- The 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 the possible causes of OBDII code B1861 indicating an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit in a Toyota?

- The code may be triggered by a damaged or loose wiring harness, a faulty airbag squib, or a poor electrical connection.

3. How can I diagnose the issue causing OBDII code B1861 in my Toyota indicating an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

- A thorough inspection of the wiring harness, connectors, and airbag squib is recommended. Using a multimeter to test for continuity and proper voltage can help pinpoint the issue.

4. Can I still drive my Toyota with OBDII code B1861 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 may compromise the functionality of the driver side knee airbag in the event of a collision.

5. How can I repair OBDII code B1861 related to an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit in my Toyota?

- The repair typically involves fixing the damaged wiring, replacing the faulty airbag squib, or addressing any loose connections. It is advisable to seek professional help for proper repair.

6. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code B1861 in my Toyota without addressing the underlying issue of an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

- Resetting the code without fixing the root cause may temporarily turn off the warning light, but it will not resolve the safety issue with the airbag system. It is important to address the issue promptly.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1861 indicating an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit in a Toyota?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, the extent of the damage, and the labor rates at the repair facility. It is advisable to obtain quotes from trusted mechanics.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast with automotive knowledge fix OBDII code B1861 related to an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit in a Toyota?

- While some aspects of the repair, such as checking for loose connections, can be done by a DIY enthusiast, working on the airbag system requires specialized skills and knowledge. Professional assistance is recommended.

9. Will OBDII code B1861 prevent my Toyota from passing a vehicle inspection or emissions test?

- In most regions, a lit airbag warning light will cause a vehicle to fail inspection due to safety concerns. It is advisable to address and repair the issue indicated by the code before undergoing any tests.

10. How long does it take to repair OBDII code B1861 indicating an open in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit in a Toyota?

- The repair time can vary based on the specific cause of the issue, availability of parts, and the expertise of the technician. It is recommended to consult with the repair shop for an estimated timeframe.