Engine-CodesGeneric – B1697

B1697 Code - Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left

Quick Answer

The B1697 code indicates that there is a communication problem with the door side airbag sensor on the left side of the vehicle. Common causes include Faulty wiring or connectors leading to the door side airbag sensor, A malfunctioning door side airbag sensor on the left side of the vehicle, Issues with the airbag control module. 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
B1697 indicates Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty wiring or connectors leading to the door side airbag sensor, A malfunctioning door side airbag sensor on the left side of the vehicle, Issues with the airbag control module.
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.
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 19, 2024
💬 Need more help? Ask Auto Expert for instant answers — it's free!
AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play

Code B1697 Description

The B1697 code indicates that there is a communication problem with the door side airbag sensor on the left side of the vehicle. This sensor is responsible for detecting impacts and deploying the airbag in the event of a side collision. When communication with this sensor is lost, it can compromise the effectiveness of the airbag system, potentially putting occupants at risk in the event of a crash.

OBDII Code B1697 - Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left
B1697 Code - Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left

Common Causes of B1697

  1. Faulty wiring or connectors leading to the door side airbag sensor
  2. A malfunctioning door side airbag sensor on the left side of the vehicle
  3. Issues with the airbag control module
  4. Corrosion or damage to the sensor or wiring due to environmental factors
  5. Impact or collision that damaged the sensor or wiring

Symptoms of B1697

  1. Illumination of the airbag warning light on the dashboard
  2. Fault code related to the airbag system stored in the vehicle's computer
  3. Inability to deploy the side airbag in the event of a collision
  4. Loss of communication with the left side airbag sensor

How to Fix B1697

  1. Use a diagnostic scanner to read and clear the fault code associated with the B1697 code.
  2. Inspect the wiring and connectors leading to the door side airbag sensor for any damage or corrosion. Repair or replace as necessary.
  3. Test the door side airbag sensor on the left side of the vehicle for proper function. Replace if faulty.
  4. Check the airbag control module for any issues and replace if necessary.
  5. Clear the fault code and reset the airbag system to ensure proper operation.

Cost to Fix B1697

The typical repair costs for addressing the B1697 code can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue. In general, the cost of parts such as a new sensor or control module can range from $100 to $500, while labor costs can range from $100 to $300. Overall, the total repair cost for this issue could range from $200 to $800. It's important to note that labor rates and parts costs can vary based on location, vehicle make and model, and the specific repair shop being used. It is recommended to obtain quotes from multiple shops to get an accurate estimate for the repair.

Need more information about the B1697 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1697 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1697 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Code B1697 Information for Specific Makes

  • B1697 Ford — Mirror Driver/Passenger Switch Circuit Short To Battery
  • B1697 Lexus — Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left
  • B1697 Lincoln — Mirror Driver/Passenger Switch Circuit Short To Battery
  • B1697 Mercury — Mirror Driver/Passenger Switch Circuit Short To Battery
  • B1697 Scion — Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left
  • B1697 Toyota — Lost Communication with Door Side Airbag Sensor Left

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 B1697 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B1697?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the left side door airbag system.

2. What could cause the OBDII code B1697 to appear?

- The code B1697 may be triggered by a communication failure between the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system and the door side airbag sensor on the left side.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code B1697?

- Diagnosis involves checking the wiring and connections between the vehicle's diagnostic system and the left side door airbag sensor for any damage or loose connections.

4. Can a DIY enthusiast repair OBDII code B1697?

- Repairing this code may require professional expertise due to the complexity of the airbag system. It is recommended to consult a qualified mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair.

5. Are there any safety concerns associated with OBDII code B1697?

- Yes, unresolved issues with the door side airbag sensor can affect the proper deployment of the airbag during a collision, compromising passenger safety.

6. How much does it typically cost to fix OBDII code B1697?

- Repair costs for OBDII code B1697 can vary depending on the extent of the issue and the specific vehicle model. It is advisable to get a diagnostic assessment from a mechanic for an accurate estimate.

7. Can driving with OBDII code B1697 pose any risks?

- Driving with unresolved airbag system issues indicated by code B1697 can pose a risk in the event of a collision as the left side airbag may not deploy as intended.

8. Is it safe to reset OBDII code B1697 without fixing the underlying issue?

- Resetting the code without addressing the root cause can temporarily clear the warning light but will not resolve the underlying problem with the door side airbag sensor.

9. How long does it take to repair OBDII code B1697?

- The repair time for OBDII code B1697 can vary depending on the exact cause of the communication failure and the complexity of the repair process. It is best to consult with a mechanic for a timeline.

10. Can OBDII code B1697 affect the overall functionality of the vehicle?

- While the code specifically relates to the door side airbag sensor, unresolved issues can potentially impact the overall safety and performance of the vehicle's airbag system.

Discuss the causes and fixes for B1697 OBDII Code

Code B1697 comments

No comments found for this page.