AutoCodesMercury – B1890 Mercury

B1890 Mercury 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 Mercury 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 729
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 12, 2019
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Code B1890 Mercury 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 Mercury - PAD Warning Lamp Circuit Short to Battery - AutoCodes.com
B1890 Mercury Code - PAD Warning Lamp Circuit Short to Battery

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1890 Mercury?

  • 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 Mercury?

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 Mercury 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 Mercury code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1890 Mercury 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 Mercury Code

1. What does OBDII code B1890 for Mercury indicate?

The B1890 code specifically refers to a fault in the PAD (Passive Anti-Theft System) warning lamp circuit, indicating a short to battery.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1890 in a Mercury vehicle?

Common symptoms include the PAD warning lamp staying illuminated constantly or flickering intermittently, even when the system is not armed.

3. What are the possible causes of the B1890 OBDII code in a Mercury car?

The B1890 code can be triggered by a short to battery in the PAD warning lamp circuit, which may be caused by damaged wiring or a faulty PAD warning lamp module.

4. How can I diagnose the B1890 OBDII code related to the PAD warning lamp circuit in my Mercury?

To diagnose the issue, you can start by visually inspecting the wiring connected to the PAD warning lamp and checking for any visible damage or loose connections.

5. Can I still drive my Mercury with the B1890 OBDII code present?

It is generally safe to drive the vehicle with the B1890 code, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the Passive Anti-Theft System.

6. What are the repair options for fixing the B1890 OBDII code in a Mercury due to a short to battery in the PAD warning lamp circuit?

Repair options may include repairing or replacing damaged wiring, replacing the PAD warning lamp module, or resetting the fault code after addressing the underlying issue.

7. Is it possible to reset the B1890 OBDII code in a Mercury without fixing the underlying problem?

While you can clear the fault code using an OBDII scanner, it is crucial to address the root cause of the issue to prevent the code from reoccurring.

8. Are there any DIY tips for troubleshooting the B1890 OBDII code related to the PAD warning lamp circuit in a Mercury?

DIY tips include checking fuses related to the Passive Anti-Theft System, inspecting wiring for any visible damage, and ensuring all connections are secure.

9. Can a faulty PAD warning lamp module cause the B1890 OBDII code in a Mercury?

Yes, a faulty PAD warning lamp module can indeed trigger the B1890 code due to a short to battery in the circuit, and replacing the module may resolve the issue.

10. How important is it to address the B1890 OBDII code indicating a short to battery in the PAD warning lamp circuit of a Mercury vehicle?

It is essential to address the B1890 code promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the Passive Anti-Theft System and maintain the vehicle's security features.

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