AutoCodesGeneric – B1944

B1944 Code - Air Bag Crash Sensor 1 Ground Circuit Open

Quick Answer

The Air Bag Control Module monitors the Air Bag Crash Sensor 1. Common causes include Faulty Air Bag Crash Sensor 1, Air Bag Crash Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Air Bag Crash Sensor 1 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
B1944 indicates Air Bag Crash Sensor 1 Ground Circuit Open.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Air Bag Crash Sensor 1, Air Bag Crash Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Air Bag Crash Sensor 1 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 4,962
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 29, 2019
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Code B1944 Description

The Air Bag Control Module monitors the Air Bag Crash Sensor 1. The Air Bag Control Module sets the OBDII code when the Air Bag Crash Sensor 1 is not to factory specifications.
OBDII Code B1944 - Air Bag Crash Sensor 1 Ground Circuit Open - AutoCodes.com
B1944 Code - Air Bag Crash Sensor 1 Ground Circuit Open

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1944?

  • Faulty Air Bag Crash Sensor 1
  • Air Bag Crash Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted
  • Air Bag Crash Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Air Bag Control Module

How to Fix the DTC B1944?

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 B1944 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 B1944 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1944 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1944 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

  • B1944 Ford — Right Front Impact Sensor Not Mounted To Vehicle Properly/Ground Circuit Open
  • B1944 Lincoln — Right Front Impact Sensor Not Mounted To Vehicle Properly/Ground Circuit Open
  • B1944 Mercury — Right Front Impact Sensor Not Mounted To Vehicle Properly/Ground Circuit Open

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 B1944 Code

1. What does OBDII code B1944 mean?

Code B1944 indicates an issue with the Air Bag Crash Sensor 1 Ground Circuit, specifically that the ground circuit is open or has a fault.

2. What are the symptoms of code B1944?

Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and possible deactivation of the airbag system.

3. What causes code B1944 to appear?

This code can be caused by a damaged or corroded crash sensor, a broken or disconnected ground wire, poor electrical connections, or a faulty airbag control module.

4. Is it safe to drive with code B1944?

No, it is not safe to drive with this code active because it may indicate that the airbag system is not functioning properly, which could compromise safety in an accident.

5. How do I diagnose code B1944?

Start by inspecting the crash sensor and its wiring for damage or corrosion. Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the ground circuit and scan the airbag system for additional related codes.

6. How can code B1944 be fixed?

Repairs may include cleaning or replacing corroded connectors, repairing damaged wires, replacing the crash sensor, or reprogramming or replacing the airbag control module.

7. Can a weak battery cause code B1944?

While uncommon, a weak or failing battery can sometimes cause electrical faults, including issues with the airbag system. Ensure the battery and charging system are in good condition.

8. How much does it cost to fix code B1944?

Repair costs vary depending on the specific issue but can range from $50 for minor wiring repairs to over $500 if the crash sensor or airbag control module needs replacement.

9. Can I clear code B1944 without repairs?

Clearing the code without addressing the root cause is not recommended, as the airbag system may remain non-functional and the code will likely return.

10. What tools are needed to fix code B1944?

You may need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter, basic hand tools, and possibly a wiring diagram for the airbag system to diagnose and repair this issue.

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