AutoCodes – Generic – B1816

B1816 Code - Open In Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step Circuit

Quick Answer

The Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step Circuit consists of the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly and the Front Passenger Airbag Assembly. Common causes include Instrument panel wire, Faulty Front Passenger Airbag Assembly (Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step), Front Passenger Airbag Assembly harness is open or shorted. 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: B1816 indicates Open In Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Instrument panel wire, Faulty Front Passenger Airbag Assembly (Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step), Front Passenger Airbag Assembly harness is open or shorted.
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 5,632

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Nov 27, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1816 Description

The Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step Circuit consists of the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly and the Front Passenger Airbag Assembly. The circuit signals the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) to deploy when deployment conditions are met. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is recorded when a malfunction is detected in the Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step Circuit.

OBDII Code B1816 - Open In Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B1816 Code - Open In Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1816?

Instrument panel wire
Faulty Front Passenger Airbag Assembly (Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step)
Front Passenger Airbag Assembly harness is open or shorted
Front Passenger Airbag Assembly circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Center Airbag Sensor Assembly

How to Fix the DTC B1816?

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 B1816 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 B1816 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1816 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1816 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B1816 Lexus — Open In Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step Circuit
B1816 Scion — Open In Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step Circuit
B1816 Toyota — Open In Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step Circuit

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 B1816 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1816?

- The common symptoms of OBDII code B1816, Open In Front Passenger Side Squib 2nd Step Circuit, include an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard and potentially non-functional passenger side airbag.

2. What can cause OBDII code B1816 to trigger?

- Possible causes of OBDII code B1816 include a faulty front passenger side airbag squib (2nd step), damaged wiring in the circuit, or a poor connection in the airbag system.

3. How serious is OBDII code B1816?

- OBDII code B1816 is a serious issue as it indicates a problem with the front passenger side airbag system. It is crucial to address this code promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the airbag in case of an accident.

4. Can I continue driving with OBDII code B1816 present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with OBDII code B1816 present, as it means there is a potential issue with the passenger side airbag system. The airbag may not deploy correctly in the event of a collision, compromising passenger safety.

5. What is the typical repair for OBDII code B1816?

- The typical repair for OBDII code B1816 involves diagnosing the specific cause of the open circuit in the front passenger side squib 2nd step circuit, which may require replacing the faulty squib, repairing damaged wiring, or addressing poor connections.

6. How can I diagnose OBDII code B1816 at home?

- Diagnosing OBDII code B1816 may require specialized tools and knowledge of airbag systems. It is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or technician with experience in diagnosing and repairing airbag-related issues.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code B1816 make it go away permanently?

- Resetting OBDII code B1816 may temporarily turn off the warning light, but if the underlying issue is not addressed, the code is likely to return. It is essential to diagnose and repair the root cause of the problem for a permanent solution.

8. Are there any safety precautions I should take when working on OBDII code B1816?

- When working on OBDII code B1816 or any airbag-related issue, it is crucial to disconnect the vehicle's battery and wait for the system to discharge completely before starting any repair work to avoid accidental airbag deployment.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast repair OBDII code B1816 themselves?

- Repairing OBDII code B1816 may require specialized knowledge and tools related to airbag systems. Unless you have experience in working with airbag systems, it is recommended to seek professional help to ensure proper diagnosis and repair.

10. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code B1816?

- The cost of fixing OBDII code B1816 can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue. Repairs may involve replacing the squib, repairing wiring, or addressing connection problems. It is advisable to consult a mechanic for an accurate cost estimate.