AutoCodes – Ford – B1868 Ford

B1868 Ford 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 Ford 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 3,454

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1868 Ford?

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 Ford?

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 Ford 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 Ford code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1868 Ford 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 B1868 Ford Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1868 for a Ford vehicle?

- The common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard and potential non-deployment of the airbags in case of an accident.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1868 in a Ford vehicle?

- The code B1868 typically indicates a failure in the circuit of the airbag warning indicator, which can be caused by issues such as wiring faults, a faulty airbag control module, or a malfunctioning airbag warning indicator bulb.

3. How can I diagnose OBDII code B1868 in my Ford vehicle?

- To diagnose the code B1868, you can use an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific fault codes. Additionally, a thorough inspection of the airbag warning indicator circuit, wiring, and components may be necessary to pinpoint the exact cause.

4. Can I continue driving my Ford vehicle with OBDII code B1868 present?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the airbag warning indicator circuit failure code B1868 present, as the airbag system may not function properly in case of an accident, potentially compromising safety.

5. How can I repair OBDII code B1868 in my Ford vehicle?

- Repairing OBDII code B1868 may involve fixing the wiring faults, replacing the faulty airbag control module, or addressing any issues with the airbag warning indicator bulb. It is advisable to consult a qualified mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair.

6. Is it necessary to reset the OBDII code B1868 after the repairs?

- Yes, it is important to reset the OBDII code B1868 after performing the necessary repairs to clear the fault code from the system and ensure that the issue has been resolved.

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

- When working on the airbag system to address OBDII code B1868, it is crucial to disconnect the vehicle's battery and wait for a specified time to allow the airbag system to discharge completely. This helps prevent accidental deployment during repairs.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code B1868 in a Ford vehicle?

- While some basic troubleshooting steps can be performed by a DIY enthusiast, addressing OBDII code B1868 related to the airbag system may require specialized knowledge and tools. For safety and proper repair, it is recommended to seek professional help.

9. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code B1868 in a Ford vehicle?

- The repair time for OBDII code B1868 can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue and the extent of repairs needed. It may take a few hours to a full day to diagnose and fix the problem thoroughly.

10. What should I do if OBDII code B1868 persists after attempting repairs on my Ford vehicle?

- If OBDII code B1868 persists even after attempting repairs, it is advisable to seek assistance from a certified mechanic or dealership specializing in airbag systems to ensure proper diagnosis and resolution of the issue.