AutoCodes – Mercury – B1879 Mercury

B1879 Mercury Code - Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner Circuit Short To Ground

Quick Answer

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) checks all of the safety Seat Belt Pretensioners for faults. Common causes include Faulty Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner, Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner harness is open or shorted, Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner 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: B1879 Mercury indicates Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner Circuit Short To Ground.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner, Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner harness is open or shorted, Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner 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 544

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 B1879 Mercury Description

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) checks all of the safety Seat Belt Pretensioners for faults. If the RCM detects a short to ground on a Driver Safety Seat Belt Pretensioner circuit, it will store diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1879 in memory and illuminate the air bag warning indicator.

OBDII Code B1879 Mercury - Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner Circuit Short To Ground - AutoCodes.com — B1879 Mercury Code - Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner Circuit Short To Ground

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1879 Mercury?

Faulty Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner
Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner harness is open or shorted
Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1879 Mercury?

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 B1879 Mercury 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 B1879 Mercury code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1879 Mercury code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1879 Mercury 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 B1879 Mercury Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1879 in a Mercury related to the Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner Circuit Short To Ground?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated, seat belt pretensioners not deploying properly, and potential issues with the driver's seat belt mechanism.

2. What can cause the Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner Circuit Short To Ground fault code B1879 in a Mercury?

- Possible causes include damaged wiring in the seat belt pretensioner circuit, a short to ground in the circuit, faulty seat belt pretensioner module, or a malfunctioning airbag control module.

3. How serious is the B1879 OBDII code related to the Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner Circuit Short To Ground in a Mercury?

- This code is considered serious as it indicates a potential safety issue with the driver's seat belt pretensioner system, which may affect the proper deployment of the seat belt in the event of a collision.

4. Can I continue driving my Mercury with the B1879 fault code present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving the vehicle with this fault code active, as it may compromise the effectiveness of the seat belt pretensioner system in the event of an accident.

5. What are some repair tips for addressing the B1879 OBDII code in a Mercury?

- Repair tips may include checking and repairing any damaged wiring in the seat belt pretensioner circuit, testing and replacing faulty components such as the pretensioner module or airbag control module, and clearing the fault code with a diagnostic tool.

6. How can I diagnose the B1879 fault code related to the Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner Circuit Short To Ground in my Mercury?

- Diagnosis typically involves using a diagnostic scan tool to retrieve the specific fault code, conducting a visual inspection of the seat belt pretensioner circuit for any visible damage, and performing electrical tests to pinpoint the exact issue.

7. Can I reset the B1879 OBDII code in my Mercury without addressing the underlying problem?

- While you can clear the fault code with a diagnostic tool, it is crucial to address the root cause of the issue to ensure the proper functioning of the seat belt pretensioner system and overall safety of the vehicle.

8. How much does it cost to repair the B1879 fault code related to the Seat Belt Driver Pretensioner Circuit Short To Ground in a Mercury?

- Repair costs can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the specific components that need to be repaired or replaced. It is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for an accurate estimate.

9. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to the B1879 OBDII code in Mercury vehicles?

- It is advisable to check with the manufacturer or authorized dealerships for any recalls or technical service bulletins related to this fault code, as there may be specific remedies or solutions provided for affected vehicles.

10. How can I prevent the recurrence of the B1879 fault code in my Mercury after repairing it?

- To prevent the fault code from reoccurring, ensure that all repairs are done correctly, conduct regular maintenance checks on the seat belt pretensioner system, and address any issues promptly to maintain the safety and reliability of the vehicle.