Engine-CodesFord – B2871 Ford

B2871 Ford Code - Left Rear Tire Pressure Sensor Fault

Quick Answer

The B2871 Ford code indicates a fault with the left rear tire pressure sensor in the vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Common causes include Sensor malfunction due to age or wear, Damage to the sensor from road debris or impacts, Electrical issues in the TPMS 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
B2871 Ford indicates Left Rear Tire Pressure Sensor Fault.
Common causes
Common causes include Sensor malfunction due to age or wear, Damage to the sensor from road debris or impacts, Electrical issues in the TPMS 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.
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 09, 2024
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Code B2871 Ford Description

The B2871 Ford code indicates a fault with the left rear tire pressure sensor in the vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). TPMS is a safety feature that alerts the driver when the tire pressure in one or more tires is significantly underinflated, which can lead to reduced vehicle handling and increased risk of tire blowouts. The left rear tire pressure sensor is responsible for monitoring the tire pressure in the left rear tire and sending this information to the vehicle's computer system.

OBDII Code B2871 Ford - Left Rear Tire Pressure Sensor Fault
B2871 Ford Code - Left Rear Tire Pressure Sensor Fault

Common Causes of B2871 Ford

  1. Sensor malfunction due to age or wear
  2. Damage to the sensor from road debris or impacts
  3. Electrical issues in the TPMS system
  4. Corrosion or rust affecting the sensor
  5. Faulty wiring connections to the sensor

Symptoms of B2871 Ford

  1. TPMS warning light illuminated on the dashboard
  2. Inaccurate tire pressure readings displayed on the dashboard
  3. Reduced fuel efficiency
  4. Uneven tire wear
  5. Poor handling or stability while driving

How to Fix B2871 Ford

  1. Begin by confirming the diagnosis with a professional scan tool to ensure the left rear tire pressure sensor is indeed faulty.
  2. Remove the left rear tire to access the sensor located inside the tire.
  3. Disconnect the wiring harness connected to the sensor and remove the sensor from the tire.
  4. Install a new left rear tire pressure sensor and secure it in place.
  5. Reconnect the wiring harness, mount the tire back onto the vehicle, and reset the TPMS system to ensure the sensor is functioning correctly.

Cost to Fix B2871 Ford

The typical repair costs for replacing a left rear tire pressure sensor can range from $50 to $200 for the part, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Labor costs can vary, but expect to pay between $80 to $150 per hour for the repair. Additional costs may include diagnostic fees and potential tire rebalancing or alignment if necessary. It's recommended to contact local auto repair shops for accurate pricing based on your specific vehicle.

Tech Notes for B2871 Ford

When the tire pressure warning light comes on solid and message center displays LOW TIRE PRESSURE, check the air pressure of all tires and adjust to the specified cold pressure listed on vehicle certification label (found on drivers door or door pillar). Drive the vehicle at 20 mph (32 km/h) for at least 2 minutes. If the vehicle has been stationary for more than 30 minutes, a TPM sensor Activation procedure may be needed. When the tire pressure warning light flashes for 70 seconds and then remains illuminated, after bulb-check has been performed and message center displays warning messages, there is a malfunction in the TPM system.

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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 B2871 Ford Code

1. What does the OBDII code B2871 mean on a Ford vehicle?

The code B2871 indicates a fault with the left rear tire pressure sensor, which means the vehicle is unable to receive accurate tire pressure data from that sensor.

2. What are the common symptoms of the B2871 code?

Symptoms include a TPMS warning light on the dashboard, inaccurate tire pressure readings, or no reading for the left rear tire.

3. What causes the B2871 code to trigger?

Common causes include a damaged or malfunctioning tire pressure sensor, a dead sensor battery, or interference with the TPMS signal.

4. Can I continue driving with the B2871 code?

Yes, but it is not recommended as you may not receive accurate tire pressure warnings, which could lead to unsafe driving conditions if the tire is underinflated or overinflated.

5. How do I diagnose the B2871 code?

Use a TPMS scan tool to check the status of the left rear tire pressure sensor. Inspect the sensor for physical damage and verify its signal strength and battery life.

6. How can I fix the B2871 code on my Ford?

Replace the faulty left rear tire pressure sensor if it’s damaged or has a dead battery. Relearn or program the new sensor using a TPMS tool after replacement.

7. How much does it cost to fix a B2871 code?

Replacing a tire pressure sensor typically costs between $50 and $150 per sensor, plus labor charges if done by a professional.

8. Can low tire pressure cause the B2871 code?

Low tire pressure itself won’t cause the code, but if the sensor is faulty, it may fail to detect and report low pressure properly.

9. Do I need to relearn the TPMS after fixing the B2871 code?

Yes, after replacing the sensor, the TPMS system must be recalibrated or relearned to recognize the new sensor.

10. Can a B2871 code be caused by a software issue?

While rare, a TPMS module software glitch or outdated firmware could potentially cause communication errors. Updating the module software may help in such cases.

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