AutoCodes – Generic – B1868

B1868 Code - Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Failure

Quick Answer

The air bag indicator is designed to illuminate for 6 (±2) seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position. Common causes include Blown Air Bag Warning Light bulb, Air Bag Warning Light bulb harness is open or shorted, Air Bag Warning Light bulb 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: B1868 indicates Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Failure.
Common causes: Common causes include Blown Air Bag Warning Light bulb, Air Bag Warning Light bulb harness is open or shorted, Air Bag Warning Light bulb 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 22,826

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 Jul 07, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1868 Description

The air bag indicator is designed to illuminate for 6 (±2) seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position. This initial 6 seconds of illumination is considered normal operation and is called Prove-Out of the air bag indicator. The air bag indicator is then used to warn the driver that there is a fault in the air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) .
The air bag Restrain Control Module (RCM) module monitors the air bag indicator for open and short to ground conditions. If the ECS detects an open or short to ground condition on the air bag indicator circuit, it will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1868 in memory.
If the RCM detects an air bag indicator failure in addition to another SRS failure, the RCM will send a signal to the Generic Electronic Module (GEM) module to produce five sets of five tone bursts.

OBDII Code B1868 - Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Failure - AutoCodes.com — B1868 Code - Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Failure

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1868?

Blown Air Bag Warning Light bulb
Air Bag Warning Light bulb harness is open or shorted
Air Bag Warning Light bulb circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Restrain Control Module (RCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1868?

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 B1868 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 B1868 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1868 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1868 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B1868 Chrysler — Driver Window Switch Circuit Stuck
B1868 Dodge — Driver Window Switch Circuit Stuck
B1868 Ford — Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Failure
B1868 Jeep — Driver Window Switch Circuit Stuck
B1868 Lexus — Short To Positive In Front Passenger Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit
B1868 Lincoln — Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Failure
B1868 Mercury — Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Failure
B1868 RAM — Driver Window Switch Circuit Stuck
B1868 Scion — Short To Positive In Front Passenger Side Knee Airbag Squib Circuit
B1868 Toyota — Short To Positive In Front Passenger Side Knee Airbag Squib 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 B1868 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1868 (Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Failure)?

- The common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1868?

- The code B1868 can be caused by a faulty airbag warning indicator circuit, a blown fuse, a loose connection, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

3. How serious is OBDII code B1868?

- OBDII code B1868 indicates a potential issue with the airbag warning indicator circuit, which could affect the proper functioning of the airbag system. It is important to address this issue promptly to ensure the airbags deploy correctly in case of an accident.

4. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code B1868?

- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with the airbag warning light illuminated, as it indicates a problem with the airbag system. It is best to address the issue as soon as possible to ensure your safety in case of a collision.

5. How can I diagnose and repair OBDII code B1868?

- Diagnosing and repairing OBDII code B1868 typically involves checking the airbag warning indicator circuit for faults, inspecting connections, testing the airbag control module, and replacing any faulty components as needed.

6. Can I reset OBDII code B1868 without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code temporarily, the underlying issue causing OBDII code B1868 will persist unless properly diagnosed and repaired. It is crucial to address the root cause of the problem to ensure the airbag system functions correctly.

7. Are there any safety precautions to take when working on OBDII code B1868?

- When working on issues related to the airbag system, it is important to disconnect the vehicle's battery and wait for a few minutes before proceeding with any repairs to prevent accidental airbag deployment.

8. Will OBDII code B1868 affect my vehicle's overall performance?

- OBDII code B1868 primarily relates to the airbag warning indicator circuit and does not directly impact the vehicle's overall performance. However, it is essential for safety reasons to address this issue promptly.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code B1868 at home?

- While some enthusiasts may have the skills to diagnose and repair OBDII code B1868, working on the airbag system requires caution and expertise. It is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair.

10. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code B1868 at a repair shop?

- The cost of repairing OBDII code B1868 can vary depending on the underlying issue, the labor rates of the repair shop, and the cost of any necessary parts. It is advisable to obtain quotes from different shops for comparison.