Code Definition

B1871 — Passenger Airbag Disable Module Fault

System: Body  |  Type: Manufacturer-Specific  |  Make: Ford

About B1871

B1871 is a manufacturer-specific body diagnostic trouble code recorded for Ford vehicles. It belongs to the B-prefix family of codes, which covers body, interior, airbag, or comfort-electronics faults.

Scanning & clearing: Body (B) codes are often stored in the body control module, airbag module, or climate module. A basic OBD-II tool usually will not read body codes — an enhanced or OEM-level scan tool is typically required.

B1871 is a manufacturer-specific code. The same code string on a different make may have a different meaning. Always confirm the code's definition against the vehicle's service information for the specific make and model under test.

Code Information

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) switch resistance to determine whether the front passenger airbag should be armed or disabled. The PAD switch returns one of two valid resistance values to the RCM, approximately 900 to 1100 ohms when the airbag is enabled and approximately 400 to 600 ohms when it is deactivated. DTC B1871 sets when the RCM detects a resistance outside both of these valid ranges on the PAD switch signal circuit, indicating an open circuit, a short, or an out of specification resistance condition. When this code is set the RCM...

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