AutoCodesToyota – B1638 2015 Toyota RAV4

B1638 2015 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 2015 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 267
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 2015 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 2015 Toyota RAV4 - Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete - AutoCodes.com
B1638 2015 Toyota RAV4 Code - Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1638 2015 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 2015 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 2015 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 2015 Toyota RAV4 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1638 2015 Toyota RAV4 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1638 2015 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 2015 Toyota RAV4 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1638 in a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potentially affecting the functionality of the rear left airbag sensor assembly.

2. What does the OBDII code B1638 mean for a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

OBDII code B1638 indicates that the rear airbag sensor assembly on the left side of the vehicle has not completed its initialization process.

3. What are possible causes of the Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete code in a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Potential causes can include damaged wiring, faulty sensor assembly, software issues, or a malfunction in the airbag system.

4. How can I diagnose the issue related to code B1638 in my 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Diagnosing the problem may require a professional scan tool to retrieve the specific error codes, inspecting the wiring and connections, and conducting a thorough examination of the airbag sensor assembly.

5. Can I drive my 2015 Toyota RAV4 with the Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete code?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as it may compromise the proper functioning of the airbag system in case of an accident.

6. How can I reset the OBDII code B1638 in my 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Resetting the code typically involves addressing the root cause of the issue, fixing any faulty components, and clearing the error codes with a professional scan tool.

7. Is it safe to attempt repairs related to the Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete code on my own?

Given the critical nature of the airbag system, it is advisable to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic or dealership to ensure proper diagnosis and repair.

8. Are there any recalls or service bulletins related to OBDII code B1638 in a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

It is recommended to check with Toyota dealership or visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for any relevant recalls or service bulletins regarding this issue.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1638 in a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the underlying cause of the issue, but it may involve expenses for parts replacement, labor, and diagnostic fees.

10. Can ignoring the Rear Airbag Sensor Assembly Left Initialization Incomplete code lead to further complications in my 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Ignoring the code can potentially compromise the safety of the vehicle occupants in the event of a collision, as the airbag system may not deploy correctly.

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