Engine-Codes.com
Engine-Codes – Generic – B1996

B1996 Code - Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag Circuit Short To Battery Voltage

Quick Answer

The B1996 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicates that there is a short circuit in the passenger side side mount airbag circuit that is causing it to have a direct connection to the vehicle's battery voltage. Common causes include Damaged wiring or connectors in the passenger side airbag circuit, Faulty passenger side airbag module, Defective clock spring in the steering column. 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 indicates Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag Circuit Short To Battery Voltage.
Common causes
Common causes include Damaged wiring or connectors in the passenger side airbag circuit, Faulty passenger side airbag module, Defective clock spring in the steering column.
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.
What is this?
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 08, 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 B1996 Description

The B1996 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicates that there is a short circuit in the passenger side side mount airbag circuit that is causing it to have a direct connection to the vehicle's battery voltage. Airbags are critical safety components in a vehicle that deploy in the event of a collision to protect occupants from serious injury. When there is a short circuit in the airbag circuit, it can compromise the functionality of the airbag system, potentially leading to the airbag not deploying when needed or deploying unexpectedly.

OBDII Code B1996 - Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag Circuit Short To Battery Voltage
B1996 Code - Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag Circuit Short To Battery Voltage

Common Causes of B1996

  1. Damaged wiring or connectors in the passenger side airbag circuit.
  2. Faulty passenger side airbag module.
  3. Defective clock spring in the steering column.
  4. Malfunctioning passenger side airbag sensor.
  5. Corrosion or moisture in the airbag system components.

Symptoms of B1996

  1. Airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard.
  2. Faulty passenger side airbag deployment.
  3. Intermittent or constant airbag system warning chimes.
  4. Loss of communication with the passenger side airbag module.
  5. Vehicle may fail to pass a safety inspection due to airbag system malfunction.

How to Fix B1996

  1. Begin by diagnosing the specific cause of the short circuit in the passenger side airbag circuit using a diagnostic scan tool.
  2. Inspect the wiring and connectors in the airbag circuit to identify any damage or corrosion that may be causing the short circuit.
  3. Test the passenger side airbag module, clock spring, and sensor to determine if any of these components are faulty and need to be replaced.
  4. Repair or replace any damaged wiring, connectors, or components in the airbag circuit.
  5. Clear the DTC from the vehicle's computer system and perform a test to ensure the airbag system is functioning properly.

Cost to Fix B1996

The cost of repairing a B1996 DTC can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue and the labor rates at the auto repair shop. Typically, the cost of parts for this repair can range from $200 to $500, while labor costs can be anywhere from $100 to $300. Overall, the total repair cost can range from $300 to $800. It's important to note that prices can vary significantly based on the location, vehicle make and model, and the extent of the repairs needed. It's recommended to get quotes from multiple auto repair shops to find the best price for the repair.

Need more information about the B1996 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1996 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1996 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Code B1996 Information for Specific Makes

  • B1996 Ford — Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag Circuit Short To Battery Voltage
  • B1996 Lincoln — Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag Circuit Short To Battery Voltage
  • B1996 Mercury — Passenger Side Side Mount Airbag Circuit Short To Battery Voltage

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 B1996 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code B1996?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard and potential non-deployment of the passenger side airbag during an accident.

2. What does OBDII code B1996 indicate?

- OBDII code B1996 indicates a passenger side side mount airbag circuit short to battery voltage.

3. What are possible causes of OBDII code B1996?

- Possible causes include damaged wiring, a faulty airbag module, a malfunctioning airbag sensor, or a short circuit in the system.

4. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code B1996?

- Diagnosis involves using a scan tool to retrieve the specific code, inspecting the wiring and connectors related to the passenger side airbag, and testing the airbag sensor for proper functionality.

5. Is it safe to drive with OBDII code B1996 present?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as it may indicate a potential issue with the passenger side airbag system, affecting its performance in the event of a collision.

6. Can I reset OBDII code B1996 myself?

- While you can clear the code with a scan tool, it is important to address the underlying issue causing the fault code to prevent it from reoccurring.

7. How can I repair OBDII code B1996?

- Repair may involve repairing or replacing damaged wiring, replacing the airbag module or sensor, and ensuring proper connections in the airbag system.

8. Are there any safety precautions to consider when working on OBDII code B1996?

- Safety precautions include disconnecting the vehicle's battery before working on the airbag system, following proper procedures outlined in the vehicle's service manual, and handling airbag components with care.

9. Can OBDII code B1996 be intermittent?

- Yes, the code may sometimes appear intermittently due to loose connections, which can make diagnosis and repair more challenging.

10. Should I seek professional help for OBDII code B1996?

- It is recommended to seek help from a qualified mechanic or technician with experience in airbag systems, as improper handling can lead to safety hazards.

Discuss the causes and fixes for B1996 OBDII Code

Submit a New Comment

Code B1996 comments

No comments found for this page.