B1938 Code - Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault

Quick Answer

The B1938 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicates that there is a short to ground fault in the airbag passenger circuit. Common causes include Damaged wiring or connectors in the airbag passenger circuit, Faulty passenger airbag module, Short circuit in the airbag system. 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

B1938 indicates Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault.

Common causes

Common causes include Damaged wiring or connectors in the airbag passenger circuit, Faulty passenger airbag module, Short circuit in the airbag system.

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.

• Description
• Common Causes
• Symptoms
• How To Fix
• Cost to Fix
• FAQs
• Comments
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Common Causes of B1938

Symptoms of B1938

How to Fix B1938

Cost to Fix B1938

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Code B1938 Information for Specific Makes

• B1938 Ford — Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault
• B1938 Lincoln — Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault
• B1938 Mercury — Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault

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 B1938 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1938 (Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault)?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light staying illuminated on the dashboard, and the airbag system potentially being disabled.

2. What can cause the OBDII code B1938 to appear?

- The code B1938 may appear due to a short circuit in the passenger airbag circuit, specifically a short to ground fault.

3. How serious is the OBDII code B1938 (Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground Fault)?

- This code is considered serious as it indicates a fault in the airbag system, which is crucial for occupant safety in the event of a collision.

4. Can driving with the OBDII code B1938 present be dangerous?

- Driving with the B1938 code present can be dangerous as the airbag system may not deploy properly in the event of an accident.

5. What should I do if the OBDII code B1938 is triggered?

- It is recommended to address the issue promptly by having the airbag system inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic.

6. How can I diagnose the cause of the OBDII code B1938?

- Diagnosing the B1938 code typically involves inspecting the wiring and connectors in the passenger airbag circuit for any signs of damage or short circuits.

7. Are there any DIY repair tips for fixing the B1938 code?

- DIY repair for the B1938 code is not recommended due to the complexity and safety implications of working on the airbag system. It is best to seek professional help.

8. How much does it cost to repair the OBDII code B1938?

- The cost of repairing the B1938 code can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the specific components that need to be repaired or replaced.

9. Can resetting the OBDII code B1938 resolve the issue temporarily?

- Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the warning light, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing the fault in the airbag system.

10. Is it safe to drive the vehicle with the airbag warning light on due to the B1938 code?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the airbag warning light on, as it indicates a fault in the airbag system that could compromise occupant safety.