AutoCodesFord – B1870 2000 Ford Expedition

B1870 2000 Ford Expedition 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 2000 Ford Expedition 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.
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Code Popularity 3,212
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 11, 2019
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Code B1870 2000 Ford Expedition 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 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.
OBDII Code B1870 2000 Ford Expedition - Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery - AutoCodes.com
B1870 2000 Ford Expedition Code - Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1870 2000 Ford Expedition?

  • 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 2000 Ford Expedition?

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 2000 Ford Expedition 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 B1870 2000 Ford Expedition code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1870 2000 Ford Expedition code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1870 2000 Ford Expedition 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 B1870 2000 Ford Expedition Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1870 in a 2000 Ford Expedition?

- The common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard.

2. What does the OBDII code B1870 in a 2000 Ford Expedition indicate?

- The code B1870 indicates a circuit short to battery in the lamp airbag warning indicator.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1870 in a 2000 Ford Expedition?

- The possible causes can be a short circuit in the airbag warning indicator circuit, faulty wiring, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

4. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B1870 in my 2000 Ford Expedition?

- You can use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the trouble codes, inspect the wiring and connectors in the airbag warning indicator circuit, and perform a thorough visual inspection.

5. Is it safe to drive my 2000 Ford Expedition with OBDII code B1870 triggered?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the airbag warning light on, as it indicates a potential issue with the airbag system's functionality.

6. Can I reset the OBDII code B1870 in my 2000 Ford Expedition using a scan tool?

- Resetting the code with a scan tool may temporarily turn off the warning light, but it is crucial to diagnose and repair the underlying issue causing the code to prevent it from reoccurring.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1870 in a 2000 Ford Expedition?

- The repair cost can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may involve replacing damaged wiring, repairing connectors, or replacing the airbag control module.

8. Are there any safety risks associated with OBDII code B1870 in a 2000 Ford Expedition?

- Yes, there are safety risks as the code indicates a potential fault in the airbag system, which may affect its deployment in case of an accident.

9. Can I fix OBDII code B1870 in my 2000 Ford Expedition myself?

- If you have experience in automotive electrical systems and access to the necessary tools, you may attempt to diagnose and repair the issue yourself. However, it is recommended to seek professional help for airbag system repairs.

10. How long does it take to repair OBDII code B1870 in a 2000 Ford Expedition?

- The repair time can vary depending on the complexity of the issue, availability of parts, and the expertise of the technician. It may take a few hours to a full day to diagnose and fix the problem.

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