AutoCodes – Mercury – B1916 Mercury

B1916 Mercury Code - Driver Air Bag Circuit Shorted To Battery Or Ignition

Quick Answer

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) checks for driver air bag circuit shorts to battery or ignition by monitoring the voltage of the circuit. Common causes include Faulty Clockspring, Clockspring harness is open or shorted, Clockspring 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: B1916 Mercury indicates Driver Air Bag Circuit Shorted To Battery Or Ignition.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Clockspring, Clockspring harness is open or shorted, Clockspring 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 777

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 27, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1916 Mercury Description

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) checks for driver air bag circuit shorts to battery or ignition by monitoring the voltage of the circuit. If the RCM detects a short to battery or ignition, it will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1916 in memory and flash Lamp Fault Code (LFC) on the air bag indicator.

OBDII Code B1916 Mercury - Driver Air Bag Circuit Shorted To Battery Or Ignition - AutoCodes.com — B1916 Mercury Code - Driver Air Bag Circuit Shorted To Battery Or Ignition

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1916 Mercury?

Faulty Clockspring
Clockspring harness is open or shorted
Clockspring circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1916 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 B1916 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 B1916 Mercury code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1916 Mercury code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1916 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 B1916 Mercury Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1916 in a Mercury vehicle?

The common symptoms of OBDII code B1916 in a Mercury vehicle include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the driver's airbag system.

2. What can cause the OBDII code B1916 indicating a driver airbag circuit shorted to battery or ignition in a Mercury?

The OBDII code B1916 in a Mercury can be caused by a short circuit between the driver airbag circuit and the battery or ignition system, often due to damaged wiring or a faulty airbag module.

3. How serious is the OBDII code B1916 in a Mercury vehicle?

The OBDII code B1916 related to a driver airbag circuit shorted to battery or ignition is a serious issue as it involves the safety system of the vehicle. It is important to address this problem promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the airbag in case of an accident.

4. Can I continue driving my Mercury with the OBDII code B1916 present?

It is not recommended to drive your Mercury with the OBDII code B1916 present, as it indicates a potential issue with the driver airbag system, which is a critical safety component. It is advisable to have the issue diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.

5. How can I diagnose and repair the OBDII code B1916 in my Mercury?

Diagnosing and repairing the OBDII code B1916 in a Mercury typically involves using a diagnostic scanner to pinpoint the exact location of the short circuit in the driver airbag circuit. Repair may involve repairing or replacing damaged wiring, connectors, or the airbag module itself.

6. Can I reset the OBDII code B1916 in my Mercury without fixing the underlying issue?

While you can clear the OBDII code B1916 from your Mercury's system using a diagnostic scanner, it is not recommended to do so without addressing the underlying problem. The code will likely reappear until the issue is properly resolved.

7. Is it safe to attempt to repair the OBDII code B1916 in my Mercury on my own?

Repairing the OBDII code B1916 related to a driver airbag circuit shorted to battery or ignition in a Mercury can be complex and safety-critical. It is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician with experience in airbag systems to ensure the repair is done correctly.

8. How much does it cost to fix the OBDII code B1916 in a Mercury?

The cost of fixing the OBDII code B1916 in a Mercury can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, the extent of the damage, and the labor rates of the repair shop. It is advisable to get a diagnostic and repair estimate from a trusted mechanic.

9. Can the OBDII code B1916 in a Mercury be prevented?

While some causes of the OBDII code B1916, such as wiring damage, may be difficult to prevent, regular maintenance and inspections of the airbag system in your Mercury can help detect potential issues early and prevent more serious problems from occurring.

10. Will the OBDII code B1916 affect the overall performance of my Mercury?

The OBDII code B1916 itself may not directly affect the overall performance of your Mercury, but it can impact the safety of the vehicle in the event of a collision. It is important to address this issue promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the airbag system.