B1870 Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford?
- 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 Ford?
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 Ford 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 Ford code?
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Get the B1870 Ford code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area
Information for Specific Ford Models
- B1870 2000 Ford Expedition — Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery
- B1870 2002 Ford Pickup — 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 Ford Code
1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1870 for a Ford vehicle?
- The common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard and potential issues with the airbag system functionality.
2. What causes the OBDII code B1870 for a Ford vehicle indicating a Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery?
- The code is typically triggered by a short circuit between the airbag warning indicator circuit and the vehicle's battery.
3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code B1870 in my Ford vehicle?
- To diagnose this issue, you may need to inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the airbag warning indicator circuit for any signs of damage or short circuits.
4. Can I still drive my Ford vehicle with OBDII code B1870 present?
- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the airbag warning indicator circuit shorted to the battery, as it may compromise the functionality of the airbag system.
5. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code B1870 for a Ford vehicle without addressing the underlying issue?
- While you can clear the code with an OBDII scanner, it is crucial to diagnose and repair the root cause to ensure the proper operation of the airbag system.
6. What are the repair options for fixing OBDII code B1870 in a Ford vehicle?
- Repair options may include fixing the short circuit in the airbag warning indicator circuit, replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or seeking assistance from a professional technician.
7. How serious is OBDII code B1870 for a Ford vehicle?
- The code indicates a potentially serious issue with the airbag system, so it is essential to address it promptly to ensure the safety features of the vehicle are functioning correctly.
8. Can a DIY enthusiast with basic automotive knowledge fix OBDII code B1870 in a Ford vehicle?
- Depending on the extent of the damage and the individual's skill level, a DIY enthusiast may be able to address the issue by following repair guides or seeking assistance from online forums.
9. What are the risks of ignoring OBDII code B1870 for a Ford vehicle?
- Ignoring the code may result in the airbag system not deploying properly in the event of a collision, potentially endangering the occupants of the vehicle.
10. How can I prevent OBDII code B1870 from occurring in my Ford vehicle in the future?
- Regularly inspecting the wiring harness and connectors related to the airbag system, and addressing any issues promptly can help prevent the occurrence of this code.
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