AutoCodesToyota – B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4

B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4 Code - Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete

Quick Answer

The Side Collision Sensor Left (LH) circuit (to determine deployment of the Curtain Shield Airbag Assembly LH) is composed of the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly, Side Airbag Sensor LH, and Rear Airbag Sensor LH. Common causes include Faulty Rear Airbag Sensor Left (LH), Rear Airbag Sensor Left harness is open or shorted, Rear Airbag Sensor Left 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
B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4 indicates Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Rear Airbag Sensor Left (LH), Rear Airbag Sensor Left harness is open or shorted, Rear Airbag Sensor Left 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 325
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 10, 2022
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4 Description

The Side Collision Sensor Left (LH) circuit (to determine deployment of the Curtain Shield Airbag Assembly LH) is composed of the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly, Side Airbag Sensor LH, and Rear Airbag Sensor LH. The Rear Airbag Sensor LH detects impacts to the vehicle and sends signals to the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly to determine if the airbag should be deployed. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is stored when a malfunction is detected for the rear side collision LH circuit (to determine deployment of the Curtain Shield Airbag Assembly LH).
OBDII Code B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4 - Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete - AutoCodes.com
B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4 Code - Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4?

  • Faulty Rear Airbag Sensor Left (LH)
  • Rear Airbag Sensor Left harness is open or shorted
  • Rear Airbag Sensor Left circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Center Airbag Sensor Assembly

How to Fix the DTC B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4?

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 B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4 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 B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4 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 B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1638 in a 2013 Toyota RAV4?

- The common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard and a diagnostic trouble code indicating "Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete."

2. What causes the B1638 code to trigger in a 2013 Toyota RAV4?

- The B1638 code typically triggers due to a malfunction or improper initialization of the rear airbag sensor assembly on the left side of the vehicle.

3. How serious is the B1638 code in a 2013 Toyota RAV4?

- The B1638 code relating to the rear airbag sensor assembly left initialization incomplete is a serious issue as it indicates a potential problem with the airbag system, which could impact its functionality in the event of a crash.

4. Can I continue driving my 2013 Toyota RAV4 with the B1638 code present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving the vehicle with the B1638 code active as it signifies a fault in the airbag system, which is a critical safety component.

5. What should I do if the B1638 code appears in my 2013 Toyota RAV4?

- If the B1638 code appears, it is advisable to have the vehicle inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic or dealership to address the issue promptly.

6. How is the B1638 code diagnosed in a 2013 Toyota RAV4?

- The B1638 code is diagnosed using a professional OBDII scanner that can read and interpret the specific fault code related to the rear airbag sensor assembly left initialization incomplete.

7. Are there any DIY repair tips for fixing the B1638 code in a 2013 Toyota RAV4?

- DIY repair for the B1638 code is not recommended due to the complexity of the airbag system. It is best to seek assistance from a certified technician for proper diagnosis and repair.

8. How much does it typically cost to fix the B1638 code in a 2013 Toyota RAV4?

- The cost of fixing the B1638 code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue and the required repairs. It is advisable to get a diagnosis from a professional to determine the cost accurately.

9. Can resetting the B1638 code in a 2013 Toyota RAV4 resolve the issue?

- Simply resetting the B1638 code may temporarily turn off the warning light, but it will not fix the underlying problem with the rear airbag sensor assembly left initialization incomplete. Professional diagnosis and repair are recommended.

10. How long does it take to repair the B1638 code in a 2013 Toyota RAV4?

- The repair time for the B1638 code can vary depending on the extent of the issue and the availability of parts. It is best to consult a mechanic for an accurate estimate of the repair duration.

Discuss the causes and fixes for B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4 OBDII Code

Code B1638 2013 Toyota RAV4 comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play