AutoCodes – Mazda – B1871 Mazda

B1871 Mazda Code - Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault

Quick Answer

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors status of Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) switch. Common causes include Faulty Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch, Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch harness is open or shorted, Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switchcircuit 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: B1871 Mazda indicates Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch, Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch harness is open or shorted, Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switchcircuit 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 5,898

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 11, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1871 Mazda Description

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors status of Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) switch. The PAD switch signals RCM by switching resistance to ground. If RCM senses 900-1100 ohms in PAD switch, it enables passenger-side air bag and turns off PAD switch warning light. If RCM senses 400-600 ohms in PAD switch, it deactivates passenger-side air bag and turns on PAD switch warning light. If RCM senses an invalid resistance, it will store Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1871 in memory.

OBDII Code B1871 Mazda - Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault - AutoCodes.com — B1871 Mazda Code - Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1871 Mazda?

Faulty Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch
Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch harness is open or shorted
Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switchcircuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1871 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 B1871 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 B1871 Mazda code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1871 Mazda code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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Get the B1871 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 B1871 Mazda Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1871 in a Mazda related to the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault?

The common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard and a potential message indicating a fault with the passenger airbag system.

2. What could cause the OBDII code B1871 in a Mazda related to the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault?

The code B1871 in a Mazda is often triggered by a malfunction in the passenger air bag deactivation switch or its wiring, leading to issues in the airbag system.

3. How can I diagnose the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault triggering OBDII code B1871 in my Mazda?

Diagnosing this fault usually involves checking the wiring and connections related to the passenger air bag deactivation switch, as well as testing the switch itself for proper functionality.

4. Is it safe to drive my Mazda with OBDII code B1871 related to the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this fault present, as it can compromise the passenger airbag system's effectiveness in the event of a collision.

5. Can I repair the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault causing OBDII code B1871 in my Mazda myself?

While some experienced individuals may be able to address this issue, it is generally recommended to have a qualified technician diagnose and repair the fault to ensure proper functionality and safety.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault linked to OBDII code B1871 in a Mazda?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the extent of the issue, but it may involve replacing the faulty switch or repairing damaged wiring, which can range from a few hundred to a thousand dollars.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code B1871 related to the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault make the issue go away permanently?

Simply resetting the code without addressing the underlying cause, such as a faulty switch or wiring, will likely result in the code reoccurring until the root issue is resolved.

8. How important is it to fix the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault triggering OBDII code B1871 in my Mazda?

Fixing this fault is crucial for the proper functioning of the passenger airbag system, ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants in the event of a collision.

9. Can a faulty Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch triggering OBDII code B1871 in a Mazda cause the airbags to deploy unexpectedly?

While unlikely, a fault in the passenger air bag deactivation switch could potentially affect the airbag system's deployment logic, leading to unintended deployment or failure to deploy in a crash.

10. Are there any recalls or service bulletins related to OBDII code B1871 in Mazdas for the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault?

It's recommended to check with Mazda or a qualified dealership to inquire about any recalls or service bulletins related to the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch Fault and OBDII code B1871 in your specific model.