AutoCodesGeneric – B19A3

B19A3 Code - Short To Positive In Front Active Headrest Squib RH Circuit

Quick Answer

The Front Active Headrest Squib Right (RH) Circuit consists of the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly and the Active Headrest Inflator RH. Common causes include Faulty Active Headrest Inflator Assembly Right (RH) (Front Active Headrest Squib RH), Active Headrest Inflator Assembly Right (RH) harness is open or shorted, Active Headrest Inflator Assembly Right (RH) 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
B19A3 indicates Short To Positive In Front Active Headrest Squib RH Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Active Headrest Inflator Assembly Right (RH) (Front Active Headrest Squib RH), Active Headrest Inflator Assembly Right (RH) harness is open or shorted, Active Headrest Inflator Assembly Right (RH) 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 546
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 02, 2019
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Code B19A3 Description

The Front Active Headrest Squib Right (RH) Circuit consists of the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly and the Active Headrest Inflator RH. This circuit instructs the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) to deploy when deployment conditions are met. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is recorded when a malfunction is detected in the Front Active Headrest Squib RH Circuit.
OBDII Code B19A3 - Short To Positive In Front Active Headrest Squib RH Circuit - AutoCodes.com
B19A3 Code - Short To Positive In Front Active Headrest Squib RH Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B19A3?

  • Faulty Active Headrest Inflator Assembly Right (RH) (Front Active Headrest Squib RH)
  • Active Headrest Inflator Assembly Right (RH) harness is open or shorted
  • Active Headrest Inflator Assembly Right (RH) circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Center Airbag Sensor Assembly

How to Fix the DTC B19A3?

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 B19A3 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 B19A3 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B19A3 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B19A3 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

  • B19A3 Ford — Driver Seat Cushion Blower Speed Short To Battery
  • B19A3 Lexus — Short To Positive In Front Active Headrest Squib RH Circuit
  • B19A3 Lincoln — Driver Seat Cushion Blower Speed Short To Battery
  • B19A3 Mercury — Driver Seat Cushion Blower Speed Short To Battery
  • B19A3 Scion — Short To Positive In Front Active Headrest Squib RH Circuit
  • B19A3 Toyota — Short To Positive In Front Active Headrest Squib RH Circuit

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 B19A3 Code

What does the OBDII code B19A3 mean?

The B19A3 code indicates a short to positive in the right-hand front active headrest squib circuit, which is part of the vehicle's airbag and safety restraint system.

What are the common symptoms of the B19A3 code?

Symptoms include an illuminated airbag warning light, potential malfunction of the passenger-side active headrest system, and possible deactivation of the airbag system.

What causes the B19A3 code to appear?

The code can be caused by damaged wiring, a short circuit, a faulty active headrest squib, or issues with the airbag control module.

Can I still drive my vehicle with the B19A3 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, the airbag system may not function properly, posing a safety risk in the event of a collision.

How is the B19A3 code diagnosed?

A technician will use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect the wiring and connectors in the squib circuit, and test the active headrest squib and airbag module for faults.

What are possible repair solutions for the B19A3 code?

Repairs may include fixing or replacing damaged wiring, repairing connectors, replacing the active headrest squib, or reprogramming or replacing the airbag control module.

How much does it cost to fix the B19A3 code?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue but typically range from $100 to $500, with higher costs if the airbag module needs replacement.

Can I clear the B19A3 code without fixing the issue?

Clearing the code without addressing the underlying problem will not resolve the issue, and the code is likely to return.

Is the B19A3 code specific to certain car brands or models?

The B19A3 code is most commonly associated with Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles but may appear in other brands with similar systems.

Why is the B19A3 code a safety concern?

The code indicates a fault in the airbag system, which could prevent it from deploying correctly in an accident, increasing the risk of injury.

Discuss the causes and fixes for B19A3 OBDII Code

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