B1870 2002 Ford Pickup 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 2002 Ford Pickup 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 2002 Ford Pickup 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 2002 Ford Pickup?
- 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 2002 Ford Pickup?
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 2002 Ford Pickup 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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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 2002 Ford Pickup Code
1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1870 on a 2002 Ford Pickup?
- The common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard.
2. What does the OBDII code B1870 indicate in a 2002 Ford Pickup?
- The code B1870 indicates a short to battery in the lamp airbag warning indicator circuit.
3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1870 on a 2002 Ford Pickup?
- The potential causes could be a short circuit in the wiring, a faulty airbag warning indicator lamp, or a problem with the airbag control module.
4. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B1870 on my 2002 Ford Pickup?
- You can start by checking the wiring harness for any visible damage, inspecting the airbag warning indicator lamp, and using a diagnostic scanner to read the trouble codes stored in the airbag system.
5. Can I drive my 2002 Ford Pickup with the OBDII code B1870?
- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with an illuminated airbag warning light, as it indicates a potential safety issue with the airbag system.
6. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code B1870 without fixing the underlying issue on a 2002 Ford Pickup?
- Resetting the code without addressing the root cause may temporarily turn off the warning light, but the issue will likely reoccur, and the airbag system may not function properly in case of an accident.
7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1870 on a 2002 Ford Pickup?
- The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may involve replacing damaged wiring, the airbag warning indicator lamp, or repairing/replacing the airbag control module.
8. Can I fix the OBDII code B1870 issue in my 2002 Ford Pickup by myself?
- If you have experience working with automotive electrical systems, you may be able to diagnose and repair the issue yourself. However, it is recommended to consult a professional technician for accurate diagnosis and proper repair.
9. Will OBDII code B1870 affect the overall performance of my 2002 Ford Pickup?
- The code B1870 specifically relates to the airbag warning indicator circuit and may not directly impact the performance of the vehicle, but it is crucial for the safety system to function correctly.
10. How long does it take to repair OBDII code B1870 on a 2002 Ford Pickup?
- The repair time can vary based on the exact cause of the issue and the availability of parts. It may take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to complete the repair.
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