AutoCodes – Generic – B1871

B1871 Code - Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault

Quick Answer

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors status of Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) switch. Common causes include Faulty Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch, Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch harness is open or shorted, Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switchcircuit 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: B1871 indicates Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch, Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch harness is open or shorted, Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switchcircuit 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 26,026

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 11, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1871 Description

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors status of Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) switch. The PAD switch signals RCM by switching resistance to ground. If RCM senses 900-1100 ohms in PAD switch, it enables passenger-side air bag and turns off PAD switch warning light. If RCM senses 400-600 ohms in PAD switch, it deactivates passenger-side air bag and turns on PAD switch warning light. If RCM senses an invalid resistance, it will store Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1871 in memory.

OBDII Code B1871 - Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault - AutoCodes.com — B1871 Code - Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1871?

Faulty Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch
Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch harness is open or shorted
Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switchcircuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1871?

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 B1871 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 B1871 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1871 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1871 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B1871 Ford — Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault
B1871 Lincoln — Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault
B1871 Mazda — Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault
B1871 Mercury — Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault

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 B1871 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B1871 (Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault)?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light on the dashboard illuminating, failure of the passenger airbag to deploy in an accident, and potential loss of communication with the passenger airbag system.

2. What are possible causes of OBDII code B1871?

- Possible causes of this code include a faulty passenger airbag deactivation switch, damaged wiring or connectors in the airbag system, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

3. How can I diagnose the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault?

- Diagnosing this fault typically involves using a scan tool to retrieve the specific B1871 code, checking the passenger airbag deactivation switch for proper operation, and inspecting the related wiring and connectors for any damage.

4. Is it safe to drive with OBDII code B1871?

- It is not recommended to drive with this code present, as it indicates a fault in the passenger airbag system, which could potentially compromise passenger safety in the event of a collision.

5. Can I reset OBDII code B1871 without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code temporarily, it will likely reappear until the root cause of the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault is addressed and repaired.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1871?

- The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the exact cause of the fault and labor rates in your area. It may involve replacing the passenger airbag deactivation switch, repairing wiring issues, or reprogramming the airbag control module.

7. Are there any DIY repair tips for OBDII code B1871?

- DIY repair for this code may involve visually inspecting the airbag system components for any obvious damage, checking the fuses related to the airbag system, and ensuring all connectors are securely attached.

8. Can a faulty passenger airbag deactivation switch be repaired, or does it need to be replaced?

- In most cases, a faulty passenger airbag deactivation switch will need to be replaced rather than repaired to ensure the proper functioning of the airbag system.

9. How serious is OBDII code B1871 (Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault)?

- This code is considered serious as it relates to the proper operation of the passenger airbag system, which is crucial for occupant safety in the event of a collision.

10. Will OBDII code B1871 prevent my vehicle from passing a state inspection?

- Depending on the regulations in your state, a fault code related to the passenger airbag system like B1871 may prevent your vehicle from passing a state inspection due to safety concerns.