AutoCodesGeneric – B1921

B1921 Code - Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open

Quick Answer

The Air Bag Control Module monitors the Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit. Common causes include Faulty Air Bag Control Module, Air Bag Control Module harness is open or shorted, Air Bag Control Module 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
B1921 indicates Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Air Bag Control Module, Air Bag Control Module harness is open or shorted, Air Bag Control Module 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 20,489
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 28, 2019
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Code B1921 Description

The Air Bag Control Module monitors the Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit. The Air Bag Control Module sets the OBDII code when the Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit is not to factory specifications.
OBDII Code B1921 - Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open - AutoCodes.com
B1921 Code - Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1921?

  • Faulty Air Bag Control Module
  • Air Bag Control Module harness is open or shorted
  • Air Bag Control Module circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC B1921?

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 B1921 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 B1921 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1921 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1921 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

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 B1921 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B1921 (Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open)?

- 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 causes the OBDII code B1921 (Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open) to trigger?

- This code is typically triggered by a break or open circuit in the ground wire of the airbag diagnostic monitor system.

3. How serious is OBDII code B1921 (Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open)?

- This code is considered serious as it affects the proper functioning of the airbag system, potentially compromising passenger safety in the event of a collision.

4. Can I continue driving with OBDII code B1921 (Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open) present?

- It is not recommended to drive with this code present as it may lead to the airbags not deploying properly in case of an accident.

5. How can I diagnose the issue causing OBDII code B1921 (Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open)?

- Diagnosing this issue typically involves inspecting the wiring and connectors related to the airbag diagnostic monitor system for any breaks or damage.

6. What are the repair options for OBDII code B1921 (Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open)?

- Repair options may include repairing or replacing the damaged ground wire in the airbag diagnostic monitor system and clearing the diagnostic trouble codes.

7. Can I reset OBDII code B1921 (Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open) without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code temporarily, it is crucial to address the root cause to ensure the proper functioning of the airbag system.

8. Are there any safety precautions I should take when working on OBDII code B1921 (Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open)?

- When working on the airbag system, it is essential to disconnect the vehicle's battery and wait for a few minutes to discharge any residual power to prevent accidental airbag deployment.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code B1921 (Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open)?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the extent of the damage and whether you choose to fix it yourself or have a professional technician address the issue.

10. Can OBDII code B1921 (Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor Ground Circuit Open) be a recurring problem?

- If the underlying issue causing the code is not properly addressed, it can lead to a recurring problem with the airbag diagnostic monitor system.

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