AutoCodesToyota – B1697 2016 Toyota RAV4

B1697 2016 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 2016 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 222
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 2016 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 2016 Toyota RAV4 - Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left - AutoCodes.com
B1697 2016 Toyota RAV4 Code - Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1697 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 Toyota RAV4 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1697 2016 Toyota RAV4 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1697 2016 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 2016 Toyota RAV4 Code

What does the OBDII code B1697 mean in a 2016 Toyota RAV4?

The code B1697 indicates a loss of communication with the left door side airbag sensor, which could affect the airbag system's functionality.

What are the common symptoms of code B1697 in a 2016 Toyota RAV4?

Symptoms include an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard and potential deactivation of the affected airbag.

What causes the B1697 code in a 2016 Toyota RAV4?

Common causes include a faulty left door side airbag sensor, damaged wiring, loose connectors, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

Can I drive my 2016 Toyota RAV4 with code B1697?

Driving is possible, but it is not recommended as the airbag system may not function properly in the event of an accident.

How do I diagnose the B1697 code in a 2016 Toyota RAV4?

Diagnosis involves scanning the vehicle with an OBDII tool, inspecting the wiring and connectors to the left door side airbag sensor, and testing the sensor itself.

How can I fix the B1697 code in my 2016 Toyota RAV4?

Repairs may include replacing the left door side airbag sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or securing loose connectors.

Is the B1697 code a serious issue?

Yes, it is serious as it pertains to the airbag system, which is a critical safety feature in your vehicle.

How much does it cost to fix the B1697 code in a 2016 Toyota RAV4?

Costs vary depending on the issue, but replacing the airbag sensor can range from $200 to $500, excluding labor.

Can a dead battery cause the B1697 code?

A dead or weak battery could potentially disrupt communication in the airbag system and trigger the code, but it is less common.

Do I need a professional to fix the B1697 code?

While basic troubleshooting like checking connectors can be done by a DIYer, professional assistance is recommended for sensor replacement and advanced diagnostics.

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