AutoCodes – Mercury – B1868 Mercury

B1868 Mercury Code - Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Failure

Quick Answer

The air bag indicator is designed to illuminate for 6 (±2) seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position. Common causes include Blown Air Bag Warning Light bulb, Air Bag Warning Light bulb harness is open or shorted, Air Bag Warning Light bulb 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: B1868 Mercury indicates Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Failure.
Common causes: Common causes include Blown Air Bag Warning Light bulb, Air Bag Warning Light bulb harness is open or shorted, Air Bag Warning Light bulb 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 674

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 Jul 07, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1868 Mercury Description

The air bag indicator is designed to illuminate for 6 (±2) seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position. This initial 6 seconds of illumination is considered normal operation and is called Prove-Out of the air bag indicator. The air bag indicator is then used to warn the driver that there is a fault in the air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) .
The air bag Restrain Control Module (RCM) module monitors the air bag indicator for open and short to ground conditions. If the ECS detects an open or short to ground condition on the air bag indicator circuit, it will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1868 in memory.
If the RCM detects an air bag indicator failure in addition to another SRS failure, the RCM will send a signal to the Generic Electronic Module (GEM) module to produce five sets of five tone bursts.

OBDII Code B1868 Mercury - Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Failure - AutoCodes.com — B1868 Mercury Code - Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Failure

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1868 Mercury?

Blown Air Bag Warning Light bulb
Air Bag Warning Light bulb harness is open or shorted
Air Bag Warning Light bulb circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Restrain Control Module (RCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1868 Mercury?

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 B1868 Mercury 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 B1868 Mercury code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1868 Mercury code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1868 Mercury 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 B1868 Mercury Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1868 in a Mercury vehicle?

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard and potential issues with the airbag system.

2. What can cause the OBDII code B1868 in a Mercury vehicle?

This code is usually triggered by a failure in the airbag warning indicator circuit, which can be caused by wiring issues, a faulty airbag warning indicator module, or a blown fuse.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B1868 in my Mercury?

To diagnose this code, you can use an OBDII scanner to read the fault codes and pinpoint the issue. Additionally, a thorough inspection of the airbag warning indicator circuit and components may be necessary.

4. Is it safe to drive my Mercury with the OBDII code B1868 active?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the airbag warning indicator circuit failure code active, as it indicates a potential issue with the airbag system that could compromise its functionality in the event of a collision.

5. Can I repair the OBDII code B1868 in my Mercury myself?

While some DIY enthusiasts may attempt to diagnose and repair this code themselves, it is recommended to seek professional help, especially when dealing with airbag system issues due to the critical safety implications.

6. How much does it typically cost to fix the OBDII code B1868 in a Mercury?

The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the underlying cause of the issue. It is advisable to get a diagnostic assessment from a qualified mechanic to determine the exact cost.

7. Are there any quick fixes or temporary solutions for the OBDII code B1868 in a Mercury?

Quick fixes or temporary solutions for this code are not recommended, as they may not address the root cause of the issue and could potentially compromise the safety of the airbag system.

8. Can resetting the OBDII code B1868 in my Mercury make the issue go away?

Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but if the underlying problem in the airbag warning indicator circuit is not fixed, the code is likely to reappear.

9. Will the OBDII code B1868 affect the overall performance of my Mercury?

While this code itself may not affect the performance of the vehicle, it is crucial to address any issues related to the airbag system promptly to ensure occupant safety in the event of an accident.

10. How long does it take to repair the OBDII code B1868 in a Mercury?

The repair time for this code can vary depending on the extent of the issue and the availability of parts. It is best to consult with a professional mechanic for an accurate estimate of the repair timeline.