AutoCodes – Ford – B1890 Ford

B1890 Ford Code - PAD Warning Lamp Circuit Short to Battery

Quick Answer

When the ignition is in the ON position, the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) indicator prove-out period is initiated by the Restraints Control Module (RCM). Common causes include Faulty Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) Warning Lamp, PAD Warning Lamp harness is open or shorted, PAD Warning Lamp 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: B1890 Ford indicates PAD Warning Lamp Circuit Short to Battery.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) Warning Lamp, PAD Warning Lamp harness is open or shorted, PAD Warning Lamp 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 2,416

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 12, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1890 Ford Description

When the ignition is in the ON position, the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) indicator prove-out period is initiated by the Restraints Control Module (RCM). The RCM briefly activates the PAD indicator to verify the occupants correct functional operation of the PAD indicator. For additional information, refer to Air Bag and Safety Belt Pretensioner Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). If the RCM detects an open or short to ground on the PAD indicator circuit, it will store the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1890 in memory and illuminate the air bag warning indicator.

OBDII Code B1890 Ford - PAD Warning Lamp Circuit Short to Battery - AutoCodes.com — B1890 Ford Code - PAD Warning Lamp Circuit Short to Battery

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1890 Ford?

Faulty Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) Warning Lamp
PAD Warning Lamp harness is open or shorted
PAD Warning Lamp circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1890 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 B1890 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 B1890 Ford code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1890 Ford code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1890 Ford 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 B1890 Ford Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1890 Ford (PAD Warning Lamp Circuit Short to Battery)?

- The most common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard and potential non-deployment of the airbags in case of an accident.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1890 Ford?

- The code B1890 Ford can be triggered by a short circuit to the battery in the PAD (Passive Anti-Theft System) warning lamp circuit, which may be caused by damaged wiring, faulty components, or issues with the airbag system.

3. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B1890 Ford?

- To diagnose the problem, you can use an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific trouble code and then inspect the wiring, connectors, and components related to the PAD warning lamp circuit for any visible damage or issues.

4. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code B1890 Ford?

- Repairing this code may involve checking and repairing any damaged wiring, replacing faulty components in the PAD warning lamp circuit, or addressing issues within the airbag system. It's recommended to consult a professional mechanic for an accurate diagnosis and repair.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code B1890 Ford active?

- It's not advisable to drive your vehicle with the OBDII code B1890 Ford active, as it may indicate a problem with the airbag system, potentially compromising your safety in case of an accident. It's best to address the issue promptly.

6. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code B1890 Ford without fixing the underlying issue?

- Resetting the code without fixing the underlying issue may temporarily turn off the warning light, but the problem will persist and could pose a safety risk. It's crucial to diagnose and repair the root cause of the code.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1890 Ford?

- The cost of repairing OBDII code B1890 Ford can vary depending on the extent of the damage, the parts that need replacement, and the labor charges. It's recommended to obtain quotes from different repair shops for an accurate estimate.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code B1890 Ford at home?

- While some vehicle owners with experience in automotive repairs may be able to address simple wiring issues related to this code, dealing with the airbag system can be complex and dangerous. It's best to seek professional help for this repair.

9. Will OBDII code B1890 Ford cause my airbags to deploy unexpectedly?

- The presence of this code typically indicates a fault in the airbag system, which may result in the airbags not deploying when needed. There is a risk of unexpected deployment if the issue is not addressed promptly.

10. How long does it take to repair OBDII code B1890 Ford?

- The repair time for OBDII code B1890 Ford can vary based on the complexity of the issue, availability of parts, and the mechanic's expertise. It's advisable to consult with a professional to get an accurate estimate of the repair duration.