AutoCodes – Ford – B1897 Ford

B1897 Ford Code - Horn Switch Circuit Failure

Quick Answer

The horn relay control and switched voltage is supplied by the Bussed Electrical Center (BEC). Common causes include Faulty Horn Relay, Faulty Horn Switch, Horn Switch harness is open or shorted. 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: B1897 Ford indicates Horn Switch Circuit Failure.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Horn Relay, Faulty Horn Switch, Horn Switch harness is open or shorted.
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 855

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 26, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1897 Ford Description

The horn relay control and switched voltage is supplied by the Bussed Electrical Center (BEC). The Smart Junction Box (SJB) receives the horn signal from the horn switch (part of the steering wheel). When the horn switch is pressed, the ground is supplied from the clockspring to the vehicle harness. The SJB then activates the horn relay. Voltage is then sent to the horn, enabling the horns to sound. The ground is provided to the horns.

OBDII Code B1897 Ford - Horn Switch Circuit Failure - AutoCodes.com — B1897 Ford Code - Horn Switch Circuit Failure

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1897 Ford?

Faulty Horn Relay
Faulty Horn Switch
Horn Switch harness is open or shorted
Horn Switch circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Clockspring
Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1897 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 B1897 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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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 B1897 Ford Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1897 Ford (Horn Switch Circuit Failure)?

The common symptoms include a non-functional horn, an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard, and the inability to deactivate the airbag system.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1897 Ford?

The code B1897 typically indicates a fault in the horn switch circuit, which can be caused by a faulty horn switch, damaged wiring, or a bad clock spring in the steering column.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B1897 Ford?

To diagnose the code B1897, check the horn functionality, inspect the horn switch and wiring connections, and perform a thorough inspection of the clock spring in the steering column.

4. Can I repair OBDII code B1897 Ford on my own?

Repairing the code B1897 may require basic automotive knowledge and tools. If you are comfortable working with electrical components and wiring, you may be able to fix the issue yourself by replacing the faulty components.

5. Is it safe to drive with OBDII code B1897 Ford present?

It is generally safe to drive with the code B1897, but you should address the issue promptly to ensure the horn and airbag system function correctly in case of an emergency.

6. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code B1897 Ford at a dealership or mechanic?

The cost of repairing the code B1897 can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the labor rates of the service provider. It is recommended to get a few quotes from different mechanics or dealerships to compare prices.

7. Can a faulty clock spring cause OBDII code B1897 Ford?

Yes, a faulty clock spring in the steering column can cause the code B1897 to appear. The clock spring is responsible for transmitting electrical signals to various components in the steering wheel, including the horn switch.

8. Will disconnecting the battery reset OBDII code B1897 Ford?

Disconnecting the battery may temporarily reset the code, but it is not a permanent solution. To properly address the issue, you should diagnose the root cause of the code and repair any faulty components.

9. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to OBDII code B1897 Ford?

It is recommended to check with Ford or your local dealership for any recalls or technical service bulletins related to the code B1897. They may offer solutions or repairs at no cost to you.

10. How can I prevent OBDII code B1897 Ford from recurring?

To prevent the code B1897 from recurring, regularly inspect the horn switch, wiring, and steering column components for any signs of wear or damage. Proper maintenance and timely repairs can help avoid this issue in the future.