AutoCodes – Ford – B1938 Ford

B1938 Ford Code - Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault

Quick Answer

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) checks all of the Passenger Air Bag Circuits for faults. Common causes include Faulty Passenger Air Bag Module, Passenger Air Bag Module harness is open or shorted, Passenger Air Bag 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: B1938 Ford indicates Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger Air Bag Module, Passenger Air Bag Module harness is open or shorted, Passenger Air Bag 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.

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Code Popularity 1,555

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 29, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1938 Ford Description

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) checks all of the Passenger Air Bag Circuits for faults. If the RCM detects a short to ground on any of the Passenger Air Bag Module Squib 1 Circuits, it will store Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1938 in memory and illuminate the air bag indicator.

OBDII Code B1938 Ford - Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault - AutoCodes.com — B1938 Ford Code - Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1938 Ford?

Faulty Passenger Air Bag Module
Passenger Air Bag Module harness is open or shorted
Passenger Air Bag Module circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Restraint Control Module (RCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1938 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 B1938 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 B1938 Ford code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1938 Ford code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1938 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 B1938 Ford Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1938 Ford related to the Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault?

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard, potential loss of functionality of the passenger-side airbag, and in some cases, the airbag may deploy unexpectedly.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1938 Ford indicating an Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault?

Potential causes of this code include damaged wiring or connectors in the passenger-side airbag system, a faulty passenger-side airbag module, or a short circuit in the airbag system.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B1938 Ford for an Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault?

Diagnosis typically involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the fault codes, conducting a visual inspection of the airbag system components, and testing the wiring and connectors for any signs of damage or short circuits.

4. Is it safe to drive with OBDII code B1938 Ford indicating an Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this fault code present, as it may compromise the effectiveness of the passenger-side airbag system in the event of a collision.

5. Can I reset the OBDII code B1938 Ford for an Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault myself?

While you can clear the fault code with a diagnostic scanner, it is crucial to address the underlying issue causing the fault code to prevent potential safety risks.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1938 Ford related to an Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the fault, but it may involve replacing damaged wiring, connectors, or components in the passenger-side airbag system.

7. Are there any safety precautions to consider when working on OBDII code B1938 Ford for an Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault?

It is essential to disconnect the vehicle's battery before working on the airbag system to prevent accidental deployment. It is recommended to follow manufacturer guidelines and safety procedures.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast with basic mechanical skills repair OBDII code B1938 Ford related to an Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault?

Repairing this fault code may require specialized knowledge and tools related to airbag systems. It is often best to consult a qualified mechanic or technician for proper diagnosis and repair.

9. Will fixing OBDII code B1938 Ford for an Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault require the airbag system to be replaced entirely?

Not necessarily. The repair approach will depend on the specific cause of the fault. In some cases, only certain components or wiring may need to be repaired or replaced.

10. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code B1938 Ford indicating an Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault?

The repair time can vary based on the complexity of the issue and the availability of parts. It is advisable to consult with a professional to get an accurate estimate of the repair timeline.