AutoCodesToyota – B1638 2014 Toyota RAV4

B1638 2014 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 2014 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 334
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 10, 2022
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Code B1638 2014 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 2014 Toyota RAV4 - Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete - AutoCodes.com
B1638 2014 Toyota RAV4 Code - Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1638 2014 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 2014 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 2014 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 2014 Toyota RAV4 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1638 2014 Toyota RAV4 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1638 2014 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 2014 Toyota RAV4 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1638 in a 2014 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 could cause the Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete code in a 2014 Toyota RAV4?

Possible causes include a malfunction in the rear airbag sensor assembly, wiring issues, or a communication error within the airbag system.

3. How serious is the B1638 fault code in a 2014 Toyota RAV4?

The B1638 code related to the Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete should be taken seriously, as it indicates a potential issue with the proper function of the left rear airbag sensor assembly.

4. Can I continue driving my 2014 Toyota RAV4 with the B1638 code present?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the B1638 code active, as it may affect the proper deployment of the airbag system in case of an accident.

5. How can I diagnose and repair the B1638 code in my 2014 Toyota RAV4?

Diagnosing and repairing the B1638 code typically requires specialized diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the exact cause, which may involve testing the rear airbag sensor assembly, checking the wiring, and resetting the system.

6. Is it safe to reset the B1638 code in a 2014 Toyota RAV4 without fixing the underlying issue?

Resetting the code without addressing the underlying problem may temporarily turn off the warning light, but it will not fix the root cause of the issue and could potentially compromise the safety of the airbag system.

7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the B1638 code in a 2014 Toyota RAV4?

While some simpler tasks like checking for loose connections or damaged wiring may be within reach for a DIY enthusiast, diagnosing and repairing the specific issue related to the Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete code may require professional expertise.

8. How much does it cost to repair the B1638 code in a 2014 Toyota RAV4?

The cost of repairing the B1638 code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, the required parts, and labor costs. It is advisable to consult a professional mechanic for an accurate estimate.

9. Will fixing the B1638 code require replacing the rear airbag sensor assembly in a 2014 Toyota RAV4?

Depending on the diagnosis, fixing the B1638 code may involve replacing the rear airbag sensor assembly if it is determined to be the faulty component causing the Initialization Incomplete error.

10. How long does it typically take to repair the B1638 code in a 2014 Toyota RAV4?

The repair time for the B1638 code can vary depending on the complexity of the issue and the availability of parts. It is advisable to consult a qualified mechanic for a more precise estimate of the repair duration.

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