AutoCodesMazda – B1870 Mazda

B1870 Mazda Code - Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery

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
B1870 Mazda indicates Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery.
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 1,233
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 11, 2019
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Code B1870 Mazda 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 battery condition on the air bag indicator circuit, it will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1870 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 B1870 Mazda - Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery - AutoCodes.com
B1870 Mazda Code - Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1870 Mazda?

  • 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 B1870 Mazda?

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 B1870 Mazda 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 B1870 Mazda code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1870 Mazda code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1870 Mazda 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 B1870 Mazda Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1870 in a Mazda, indicating a Lamp Air Bag Warning Indicator Circuit Short To Battery?

- The common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard, indicating a potential issue with the airbag system.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B1870 in a Mazda?

- The code B1870 typically indicates a short to battery in the airbag warning indicator circuit, which may be caused by damaged wiring, faulty connectors, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

3. How can I diagnose the root cause of OBDII code B1870 in my Mazda?

- To diagnose the issue, you can start by inspecting the wiring and connectors associated with the airbag warning indicator circuit. Using a multimeter to test for continuity and checking for any visible damage can help pinpoint the source of the short to battery.

4. Is it safe to drive my Mazda with OBDII code B1870 triggered?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the airbag warning light illuminated, as it indicates a potential issue with the airbag system that may affect its proper functionality in the event of a collision.

5. Can I reset the OBDII code B1870 in my Mazda by disconnecting the battery?

- While disconnecting the battery may temporarily clear the code, it is not a recommended solution as it does not address the underlying issue causing the short to battery in the airbag warning indicator circuit.

6. How can I repair OBDII code B1870 in my Mazda?

- Repairing OBDII code B1870 involves identifying and fixing the short to battery in the airbag warning indicator circuit. This may require repairing or replacing damaged wiring, connectors, or components in the airbag system.

7. Do I need specialized tools to fix OBDII code B1870 in my Mazda?

- While basic automotive tools like a multimeter and wiring repair tools may be sufficient for diagnosing and repairing the issue, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or technician for more complex repairs involving the airbag system.

8. Can OBDII code B1870 be a recurring issue in a Mazda after repair?

- If the root cause of the short to battery in the airbag warning indicator circuit is not properly addressed during repair, OBDII code B1870 may reoccur. It is important to ensure a thorough inspection and repair of the airbag system to prevent recurrence.

9. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code B1870 in a Mazda?

- The time needed to repair OBDII code B1870 can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the complexity of the repair. It is advisable to consult a professional for an accurate assessment of the repair timeline.

10. Is it necessary to reset the airbag system after fixing OBDII code B1870 in my Mazda?

- After repairing OBDII code B1870 and addressing the underlying issue causing the short to battery in the airbag warning indicator circuit, it is recommended to have the airbag system reset using a diagnostic tool to ensure proper functionality and to clear any stored fault codes.

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