B1879 Ford Code - Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner Circuit Short To Ground
Quick Answer
The Restraints Control Module (RCM) checks all of the safety Seat Belt Pretensioners for faults. Common causes include Faulty Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner, Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner harness is open or shorted, Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner 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
- B1879 Ford indicates Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner Circuit Short To Ground.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Faulty Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner, Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner harness is open or shorted, Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner 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 B1879 Ford Description
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1879 Ford?
- Faulty Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner
- Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner harness is open or shorted
- Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM)
How to Fix the DTC B1879 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 B1879 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.
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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 B1879 Ford Code
1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1879 Ford (Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner Circuit Short To Ground)?
The common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and the seat belt pretensioner system not functioning properly.
2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1879 Ford?
Common causes of this code include a short to ground in the driver seat belt pretensioner circuit, damaged wiring or connectors, or a faulty seat belt pretensioner.
3. How can I diagnose OBDII code B1879 Ford?
Diagnosis involves using a scan tool to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, and testing the resistance in the seat belt pretensioner circuit.
4. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code B1879 Ford present?
It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code active, as it indicates a potential safety issue with the seat belt pretensioner system.
5. How can I repair OBDII code B1879 Ford?
Repairing this code typically involves repairing or replacing damaged wiring, connectors, or the seat belt pretensioner itself, as well as clearing the fault code from the system.
6. Is it possible to reset OBDII code B1879 Ford without repairing the issue?
Resetting the code without addressing the underlying problem will likely result in the code reappearing once the vehicle is driven and the system performs a self-check.
7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code B1879 Ford at home?
While some basic troubleshooting steps can be performed at home, diagnosing and repairing this code may require specialized tools and expertise, so it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic.
8. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code B1879 Ford at a repair shop?
The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the specific repairs needed, so it is best to obtain a diagnosis and quote from a trusted repair shop.
9. Are there any recalls related to OBDII code B1879 Ford?
Recalls related to this specific OBDII code would be issued by Ford if there is a known safety issue affecting a certain range of vehicles, so it's advisable to check with the manufacturer or a dealership.
10. How can I prevent OBDII code B1879 Ford from occurring in the future?
Regularly inspecting and maintaining the seat belt pretensioner system, avoiding damage to wiring during repairs or modifications, and addressing any warning lights promptly can help prevent this code from reoccurring.
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