B1890 – OBD-II DTC

OBD-II DTC B1890 – PAD Warning Lamp Circuit Short to Battery

DTC B1890 meaning

DTC B1890 refers to a diagnostic trouble code indicating a short circuit in the Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) warning lamp circuit to battery voltage. This code is part of the On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) system, which monitors various vehicle systems for faults. When the system detects that the PAD warning lamp circuit is receiving an unexpected voltage, it triggers this code to alert the technician of a potential issue.

DTC B1890 symptoms

Common symptoms associated with DTC B1890 may include:

• Illumination of the airbag warning light on the dashboard
• Inoperative PAD warning lamp
• Possible airbag system malfunction
• Diagnostic trouble code stored in the vehicle’s computer

DTC B1890 causes

Several factors can lead to the triggering of DTC B1890, including:

• Wiring issues such as frayed or damaged wires
• Corroded or loose electrical connections
• Faulty PAD warning lamp
• Short circuit in the PAD warning lamp circuit
• Malfunctioning airbag control module

DTC B1890 seriousness

DTC B1890 is considered a serious issue as it may indicate a problem with the airbag system. If the airbag system is compromised, it may not deploy in the event of a collision, increasing the risk of injury. Therefore, it is crucial to address this code promptly to ensure the safety of the vehicle occupants.

How to diagnose DTC B1890

To diagnose DTC B1890, follow these steps:

1. Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of DTC B1890.
2. Inspect the wiring and connectors related to the PAD warning lamp for any visible damage or corrosion.
3. Check the PAD warning lamp for proper operation.
4. Test the voltage in the PAD warning lamp circuit to identify any shorts to battery voltage.
5. Examine the airbag control module for any faults or issues.

How to fix DTC B1890 step-by-step instructions

To fix DTC B1890, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to ensure safety while working on the electrical system.
2. Inspect and repair any damaged wiring or connectors related to the PAD warning lamp circuit.
3. Replace the PAD warning lamp if it is found to be faulty.
4. Check the airbag control module for any faults and replace it if necessary.
5. Reconnect the battery and clear the DTC using an OBD-II scanner.
6. Test drive the vehicle to ensure the issue is resolved and the warning light does not reappear.

How to erase DTC B1890

To erase DTC B1890, follow these steps:

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
2. Turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
3. Navigate to the option to clear or erase trouble codes on the scanner.
4. Confirm the action to erase DTC B1890.
5. Disconnect the scanner and turn off the ignition.
6. Start the vehicle and check if the warning light remains off.

Recommended tools for OBD-II diagnostics

Explore our expert picks: The Best OBD2 Scanners for 2025

Easy-to-use Multimeter for reliable diagnostics: AstroAI Auto-ranging Multimeter

Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us keep our DTC database up to date and provide valuable content for free. We only recommend products that we have tested and believe to be the best in their class.