AutoCodes – Generic – B1887

B1887 Code - Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground

Quick Answer

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) checks Driver-Side Air Bag Module circuit for shorts to ground by monitoring voltage at RCM harness connector. Common causes include Faulty Driver-Side Air Bag Module, Driver-Side Air Bag Module harness is open or shorted, Driver-Side Air Bag Module 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: B1887 indicates Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Driver-Side Air Bag Module, Driver-Side Air Bag Module harness is open or shorted, Driver-Side Air Bag Module 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 9,199

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 B1887 Description

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) checks Driver-Side Air Bag Module circuit for shorts to ground by monitoring voltage at RCM harness connector. If RCM detects short to ground on either terminal, it will store Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1887 in memory and the Air Bag warning light.

OBDII Code B1887 - Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground - AutoCodes.com — B1887 Code - Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1887?

Faulty Driver-Side Air Bag Module
Driver-Side Air Bag Module harness is open or shorted
Driver-Side Air Bag Module circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1887?

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 B1887 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 B1887 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1887 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1887 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B1887 Ford — Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground
B1887 Lincoln — Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground
B1887 Mazda — Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground
B1887 Mercury — Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground

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 B1887 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B1887 (Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground)?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard, an inoperative driver-side airbag, and potential issues with the entire airbag system.

2. What can cause the Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit to short to ground and trigger code B1887?

- Causes of this issue can include damaged wiring, a faulty clockspring, a malfunctioning airbag module, or a problem with the airbag deployment system.

3. How can I diagnose the Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground issue related to code B1887?

- Diagnosing this problem typically involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific trouble code, conducting a visual inspection of the airbag components and wiring, and performing electrical tests to pinpoint the short to ground.

4. Is it safe to drive with OBDII code B1887 indicating a Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this issue, as it can compromise the effectiveness of the driver-side airbag in the event of a collision.

5. What are the potential dangers of ignoring OBDII code B1887 related to the Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground?

- Ignoring this code can lead to the driver-side airbag failing to deploy properly during an accident, increasing the risk of injury to the driver.

6. How can I repair OBDII code B1887 for a Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground?

- Repairing this issue may involve repairing or replacing damaged wiring, fixing faulty connections, replacing the clockspring or airbag module, and ensuring proper grounding of the airbag circuit.

7. Can I reset OBDII code B1887 for a Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground using a scanner?

- Resetting the code with a scanner may temporarily clear the warning light, but it is crucial to address the underlying issue causing the short to ground to ensure the safety of the airbag system.

8. Are there any DIY tips for troubleshooting OBDII code B1887 related to the Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground?

- While some basic checks like inspecting fuses and connections can be done DIY, diagnosing and repairing the specific cause of the short to ground may require professional expertise due to the critical nature of the airbag system.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1887 for a Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may involve parts and labor expenses ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, especially if components need replacement.

10. Can a mechanic help me with resolving OBDII code B1887 linked to the Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground?

- Yes, a qualified mechanic or automotive technician with experience in airbag systems can diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair the Driver-Side Air Bag Circuit Short To Ground issue indicated by code B1887 to ensure the airbag system's proper functioning and safety.