B1870 Code - Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery
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
- B1870 indicates Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery.
- 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.
Code B1870 Description
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 battery condition on the air bag indicator circuit, it will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1870 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.
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1870?
- 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 B1870?
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 B1870 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.
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Information for Specific Makes
- B1870 Ford — Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery
- B1870 Lincoln — Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery
- B1870 Mazda — Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery
- B1870 Mercury — Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about B1870 Code
What does the OBDII code B1870 signify?
The OBDII code B1870 indicates a short circuit in the airbag warning indicator circuit, which can cause the airbag light to illuminate.
What symptoms might I experience with code B1870?
Common symptoms include the airbag warning light being illuminated on the dashboard and potentially other issues with the airbag system not functioning correctly.
What causes the B1870 code to trigger?
The B1870 code can be triggered by a short circuit in the airbag warning indicator circuit, damaged wiring, a faulty airbag module, or issues with the instrument cluster.
How can I diagnose the B1870 code?
To diagnose B1870, check the airbag warning indicator circuit for shorts, inspect wiring and connectors for damage, and use a multimeter to test for continuity and proper voltage.
What are some common repairs for code B1870?
Repairs may involve repairing or replacing damaged wiring, connectors, or the airbag module, as well as resetting the airbag system and clearing the code.
Can I drive my vehicle with the B1870 code?
While you can technically drive the vehicle, it is not safe as the airbag system may not deploy in an accident, so it's best to address the issue promptly.
Is it safe to reset the B1870 code without repairs?
No, resetting the code without addressing the underlying issue is not safe, as it does not fix the problem and the airbag system may remain inoperative.
How do I reset the B1870 code?
The code can be reset using an OBDII scanner or diagnostic tool after the underlying issue has been fixed to ensure the airbag system is functioning correctly.
Will I need specialized tools to diagnose B1870?
Yes, you may need an OBDII scanner or a multimeter to properly diagnose and troubleshoot the airbag warning indicator circuit for code B1870.
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