AutoCodesFord – B1916 Ford

B1916 Ford Code - Driver Air Bag Circuit Shorted To Battery Or Ignition

Quick Answer

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) checks for driver air bag circuit shorts to battery or ignition by monitoring the voltage of the circuit. Common causes include Faulty Clockspring, Clockspring harness is open or shorted, Clockspring 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
B1916 Ford indicates Driver Air Bag Circuit Shorted To Battery Or Ignition.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Clockspring, Clockspring harness is open or shorted, Clockspring 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 2,897
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 27, 2019
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Code B1916 Ford Description

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) checks for driver air bag circuit shorts to battery or ignition by monitoring the voltage of the circuit. If the RCM detects a short to battery or ignition, it will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1916 in memory and flash Lamp Fault Code (LFC) on the air bag indicator.
OBDII Code B1916 Ford - Driver Air Bag Circuit Shorted To Battery Or Ignition - AutoCodes.com
B1916 Ford Code - Driver Air Bag Circuit Shorted To Battery Or Ignition

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1916 Ford?

  • Faulty Clockspring
  • Clockspring harness is open or shorted
  • Clockspring circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1916 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 B1916 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 B1916 Ford code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1916 Ford code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1916 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 B1916 Ford Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1916 for a Ford vehicle?

The common symptoms include an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard and potential issues with the driver-side airbag system.

2. What does the OBDII code B1916 for Ford mean?

OBDII code B1916 indicates that the driver airbag circuit is shorted to the vehicle's battery or ignition.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1916 in a Ford?

Possible causes include damaged wiring in the airbag circuit, a faulty clock spring, or a malfunctioning airbag module.

4. How serious is OBDII code B1916 for a Ford vehicle?

This code is considered serious as it involves the driver airbag system, which is a critical safety component. It is important to address this issue promptly.

5. Can I continue driving my Ford vehicle with OBDII code B1916 present?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code active, as it may affect the proper functioning of the driver airbag in the event of a collision.

6. How can I diagnose OBDII code B1916 in my Ford vehicle?

Diagnosis typically involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the fault codes and then inspecting the airbag circuit components for damage or shorts.

7. What are some repair tips for resolving OBDII code B1916 in a Ford?

Repair tips may include checking and repairing any damaged wiring, replacing a faulty clock spring, or addressing issues with the airbag module.

8. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code B1916 without fixing the underlying issue?

Resetting the code without addressing the root cause can lead to the problem recurring and potentially compromising the effectiveness of the driver airbag system.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code B1916 in a Ford vehicle?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may involve the cost of replacement parts and labor for the repair work.

10. Can I fix OBDII code B1916 in my Ford vehicle myself, or do I need to take it to a professional mechanic?

While some DIY enthusiasts may be able to address certain aspects of the repair, dealing with the airbag system requires specialized knowledge and tools, so it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for this issue.

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