AutoCodesToyota – B1697 2015 Toyota RAV4

B1697 2015 Toyota RAV4 Code - Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left

Quick Answer

The Side Collision Sensor Left (LH) circuit is composed of the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly, Side Airbag Sensor Left, and Rear Airbag Sensor Left. Common causes include Faulty Side Airbag Sensor Left (LH), Side Airbag Sensor Left harness is open or shorted, Side 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
B1697 2015 Toyota RAV4 indicates Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Side Airbag Sensor Left (LH), Side Airbag Sensor Left harness is open or shorted, Side 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 244
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 13, 2022
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Code B1697 2015 Toyota RAV4 Description

The Side Collision Sensor Left (LH) circuit is composed of the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly, Side Airbag Sensor Left, and Rear Airbag Sensor Left. The Side Airbag Sensor Left and Rear Airbag Sensor Left detect impacts to the vehicle and send signals to the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly to determine if the airbag should be deployed. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1697 is stored when a malfunction is detected in the circuit for the Side Collision Sensor Left (to determine deployment of the Front Seat Side Airbag Assembly Left and Curtain Shield Airbag Assembly Left).
OBDII Code B1697 2015 Toyota RAV4 - Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left - AutoCodes.com
B1697 2015 Toyota RAV4 Code - Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1697 2015 Toyota RAV4?

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

How to Fix the DTC B1697 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 B1697 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 B1697 2015 Toyota RAV4 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1697 2015 Toyota RAV4 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1697 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 B1697 2015 Toyota RAV4 Code

1. What does the OBDII code B1697 mean on a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

B1697 indicates "Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left," meaning the vehicle's system has lost communication with the left door side airbag sensor.

2. What are the symptoms of the B1697 code in a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating, potential deactivation of the airbag system, and a stored diagnostic trouble code.

3. What causes the B1697 code to appear?

The code can be triggered by a faulty left door side airbag sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, corrosion, or a communication failure in the airbag system.

4. Is it safe to drive with the B1697 code active?

It is not recommended to drive with this code active, as the airbag system may not function correctly in the event of a collision.

5. How can I diagnose the B1697 code in my 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Diagnosis involves scanning the airbag control module for codes, visually inspecting wiring and connectors near the left door sensor, and testing the sensor with a multimeter if necessary.

6. How do I fix the B1697 code on a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Repairs may include replacing the faulty left door side airbag sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, cleaning corroded connectors, or updating the airbag module software.

7. Can a bad connection cause the B1697 code?

Yes, loose, corroded, or damaged connectors in the airbag system can lead to communication loss and trigger the code.

8. How much does it cost to fix the B1697 code on a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Repair costs can vary, but replacing the airbag sensor typically costs $100–$300 for parts, plus labor, depending on your location and repair shop.

9. Do I need special tools to fix the B1697 code?

Yes, diagnosing and repairing this code may require an OBDII scanner with airbag system capabilities, a multimeter, and possibly wiring repair tools.

10. Can clearing the code fix the B1697 issue?

Clearing the code without addressing the root cause will not fix the problem; the code will likely return if the underlying issue is not resolved.

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