Code Definition

B1938 — Airbag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground

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

About B1938

B1938 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.

When B1938 is stored, the module has detected a short-circuit (voltage pulled to ground or to supply) in the monitored circuit.

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.

B1938 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 airbag squib circuit by sending a low current diagnostic signal and measuring the resistance across the squib. DTC B1938 is set when the RCM detects that one or both of the passenger squib circuit wires are shorted to chassis ground, producing a measured resistance outside the acceptable range of approximately 1.61 to 5.77 ohms. The passenger squib wiring runs from the RCM through the dash harness to the passenger airbag connector on the right side of the instrument panel. When this code is active the airbag warning lamp will be illumi...

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