AutoCodes – Lexus – B1860 Lexus

B1860 Lexus Code - Short in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit

Quick Answer

The Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit consists of the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly and the Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly. Common causes include Faulty Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly (Driver Side Knee Squib), Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly harness is open or shorted, Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly 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: B1860 Lexus indicates Short in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly (Driver Side Knee Squib), Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly harness is open or shorted, Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly 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 4,698

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 Dec 02, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1860 Lexus Description

The Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit consists of the Center Airbag Sensor Assembly and the Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly. This circuit instructs the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) to deploy when deployment conditions are met. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is stored when a malfunction is detected in the Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit.

OBDII Code B1860 Lexus - Short in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B1860 Lexus Code - Short in Driver Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1860 Lexus?

Faulty Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly (Driver Side Knee Squib)
Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly harness is open or shorted
Driver Side Knee Airbag Assembly circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Center Airbag Sensor Assembly

How to Fix the DTC B1860 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 B1860 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 B1860 Lexus code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1860 Lexus code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1860 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 B1860 Lexus Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1860 in a Lexus indicating a short in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and a possible failure of the driver side knee airbag to deploy in the event of a collision.

2. What could cause the OBDII code B1860 in a Lexus related to a short in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

Common causes of this code include damaged wiring, a faulty squib circuit, a blown fuse, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B1860 in a Lexus indicating a short in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

Diagnosis typically involves using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, checking the squib circuit resistance, and testing the airbag control module.

4. Is it safe to drive a Lexus with the OBDII code B1860 indicating a short in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as it indicates a potential issue with the driver side knee airbag system, which could affect its functionality in a collision.

5. Can I repair the OBDII code B1860 related to a short in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit on my own?

Repairing this code may require specialized knowledge and tools, so it is advisable to consult a professional mechanic or authorized Lexus service center for proper diagnosis and repair.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code B1860 in a Lexus due to a short in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may involve replacing damaged wiring, the squib circuit, or the airbag control module, which could range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

7. Can resetting the OBDII code B1860 in a Lexus related to a short in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit fix the problem?

Simply clearing the fault code without addressing the underlying issue will not solve the problem. It is essential to diagnose and repair the root cause of the code to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the airbag system.

8. Are there any safety risks associated with ignoring the OBDII code B1860 in a Lexus indicating a short in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

Ignoring this fault code could potentially compromise the effectiveness of the driver side knee airbag in the event of a collision, leading to increased risk of injury to the driver.

9. How long does it typically take to repair the OBDII code B1860 in a Lexus related to a short in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

The repair time can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the specific components that need to be replaced. It is best to consult with a professional technician for an accurate estimate of the repair duration.

10. Can a faulty clock spring in a Lexus cause the OBDII code B1860 indicating a short in the driver side knee airbag squib circuit?

While a faulty clock spring can cause issues with the airbag system, such as the driver side knee airbag, it may not directly trigger the B1860 code. It is recommended to diagnose the specific cause of the code to address the issue accurately.