OBD-II DTC B1916 – Air Bag Driver Circuit Short To Battery
DTC B1916 meaning
DTC B1916 refers to a diagnostic trouble code indicating a short circuit in the airbag driver’s circuit to the battery. This code is part of the On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) system, which monitors various vehicle systems, including safety features like airbags. A short to battery means that there is an unintended connection between the airbag driver’s circuit and the battery voltage, which can lead to improper airbag operation.
DTC B1916 symptoms
Common symptoms associated with DTC B1916 may include:
- Illumination of the airbag warning light on the dashboard
- Potential malfunction of the airbag system
- Increased risk of airbag deployment failure in a collision
- Diagnostic scanner may show the B1916 code along with other related codes
DTC B1916 causes
Several factors can lead to the occurrence of DTC B1916, including:
- Damaged wiring or connectors in the airbag system
- Corrosion or poor connections in the airbag driver’s circuit
- Faulty airbag control module
- Aftermarket modifications or installations that interfere with the airbag system
- Accidental deployment or impact damage to the airbag system components
DTC B1916 seriousness
DTC B1916 is considered serious because it directly affects the functionality of the airbag system. If the airbag system is not functioning correctly, it may not deploy in the event of a collision, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants. Therefore, it is crucial to address this code promptly to ensure the safety of the vehicle’s occupants.
How to diagnose DTC B1916
To diagnose DTC B1916, follow these steps:
- Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of the B1916 code.
- Inspect the airbag system wiring and connectors for any visible damage or corrosion.
- Check for any other related trouble codes that may provide additional context.
- Test the airbag control module for proper operation.
- Perform a continuity test on the airbag driver’s circuit to check for shorts to battery.
How to fix DTC B1916 step-by-step instructions
To fix DTC B1916, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to ensure safety while working on the airbag system.
- Inspect and repair any damaged wiring or connectors found during diagnosis.
- Replace any faulty components, such as the airbag control module, if necessary.
- Ensure all connections are secure and free of corrosion.
- Reconnect the battery and clear the DTC using an OBD-II scanner.
- Perform a test drive to ensure the airbag system is functioning correctly and the warning light does not reappear.
How to erase DTC B1916
To erase DTC B1916, follow these steps:
- Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
- Turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
- Navigate to the option to clear or erase trouble codes on the scanner.
- Confirm the action to erase the codes.
- Disconnect the scanner and turn off the ignition.
- Start the vehicle and check if the airbag 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.