AutoCodesLexus – B1697 Lexus

B1697 Lexus 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 Lexus 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.
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Code Popularity 1,029
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 Lexus 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 Lexus - Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left - AutoCodes.com
B1697 Lexus Code - Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1697 Lexus?

  • 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 Lexus?

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 Lexus 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 Lexus code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1697 Lexus 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 Lexus Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B1697 in a Lexus related to the "Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left" issue?

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light being illuminated on the dashboard and potential issues with the left-side airbag system.

2. What are some possible causes of OBDII code B1697 in a Lexus?

Potential causes of this code include a faulty door side airbag sensor on the left side, wiring issues, or a communication error within the airbag system.

3. How can I diagnose the "Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left" issue in my Lexus?

Diagnosing this issue typically involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the specific OBDII code B1697, checking the wiring and connections related to the left-side airbag sensor, and testing the sensor itself for proper function.

4. Can I continue driving my Lexus with the OBDII code B1697 related to the left-side airbag sensor issue?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with an illuminated airbag warning light, as the airbag system may not function properly in the event of an accident. It is advisable to address the issue promptly.

5. How can I repair the "Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left" problem in my Lexus?

Repairing this issue may involve replacing the faulty door side airbag sensor on the left side, repairing any damaged wiring or connections, and clearing the OBDII code B1697 from the vehicle's system.

6. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code B1697 related to the left-side airbag sensor without fixing the underlying issue?

While you can clear the code temporarily, the underlying problem with the door side airbag sensor on the left side will persist, and the code is likely to reappear until the issue is properly addressed.

7. Are there any safety concerns associated with the OBDII code B1697 in a Lexus?

Yes, there are safety concerns since the airbag system may not deploy correctly in the event of a collision if the issue with the left-side airbag sensor is not resolved.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the OBDII code B1697 related to the left-side airbag sensor issue in a Lexus?

While some enthusiasts may have the skills to diagnose and repair wiring issues, replacing the door side airbag sensor typically requires specialized knowledge and tools, so it is best left to professionals.

9. How much does it cost to repair the "Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left" issue in a Lexus?

The cost of repairing this issue can vary depending on the specific cause of the problem, the labor rates in your area, and whether any parts need to be replaced. It is recommended to consult a mechanic for an accurate estimate.

10. Is the OBDII code B1697 related to the left-side airbag sensor issue a common problem in Lexus vehicles?

While it may not be one of the most common issues, problems with airbag sensors and communication errors can occur in Lexus vehicles, leading to the illumination of the airbag warning light and the triggering of OBDII code B1697.

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