B1996 Ford Code - Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag Circuit Short To Battery Voltage
Quick Answer
The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors the Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag. Common causes include Faulty Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag, Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag harness is open or shorted, Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag 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
- B1996 Ford indicates Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag Circuit Short To Battery Voltage.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Faulty Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag, Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag harness is open or shorted, Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag 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.
Code B1996 Ford Description
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1996 Ford?
- Faulty Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag
- Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag harness is open or shorted
- Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty Restraints Control Module (RCM)
How to Fix the DTC B1996 Ford?
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 B1996 Ford 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 B1996 Ford code?
Need more information on how to fix the B1996 Ford code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals
Need Help with the Code?
Get the B1996 Ford 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about B1996 Ford Code
1. What does the OBDII code B1996 mean on a Ford vehicle?
The B1996 code indicates a problem with the passenger side side-mount airbag circuit, specifically a short to battery voltage.
2. What are the common symptoms of the B1996 code?
Symptoms may include the airbag warning light staying on, malfunctioning passenger side airbag, or a stored fault code in the airbag control module.
3. What causes the B1996 code to appear?
Common causes include damaged wiring, a short circuit in the airbag wiring harness, a faulty passenger side airbag, or a defective airbag control module.
4. Is it safe to drive with the B1996 code active?
No, it is not safe. A malfunction in the airbag system could prevent it from deploying properly in the event of an accident.
5. How can I diagnose the B1996 code on my Ford?
Start by inspecting the airbag wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion, check for short circuits, and use a scan tool to confirm the code and pinpoint the issue.
6. Can a dead battery cause the B1996 code?
A dead or weak battery is unlikely to cause this specific code, but electrical issues such as voltage spikes or shorts might.
7. How do I fix the B1996 code on my Ford?
Repairs may include replacing damaged wiring, repairing short circuits, replacing the passenger side airbag, or reprogramming the airbag control module if necessary.
8. Will clearing the code fix the B1996 issue?
Clearing the code will not fix the underlying problem. The issue must be properly diagnosed and repaired to prevent the code from returning.
9. How much does it cost to repair a B1996 code?
Repair costs vary depending on the underlying issue, but they can range from $100 for simple wiring repairs to several hundred dollars for airbag or module replacement.
10. Can I fix the B1996 code myself?
If you have experience with automotive electrical systems and the proper tools, you may be able to repair it yourself. However, it’s recommended to have a professional handle airbag-related issues due to safety concerns.
Discuss the causes and fixes for B1996 Ford OBDII Code
Code B1996 Ford comments
No comments found for this page.
Fix Your Car Smarter
Try the New AutoCodes App!
Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.
