B0931 - Airbag Sensor Malfunction in 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and Other Models

Quick Answer

B0931 means: B0931 indicates an airbag sensor malfunction, which can prevent airbag deployment.

Fix: Check and replace faulty components Cost: $150 - $300 Time: 90-180 minutes

Can I drive with B0931? Immediate attention is necessary to ensure passenger safety.

Common Questions

What does B0931 mean and how does it affect my car?

The B0931 code indicates an issue with your vehicle's airbag sensor, which can prevent airbag deployment. This significantly increases the risk of injuries during an accident, as the airbag may not activate when needed. It's crucial to address this issue quickly to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers.

What are the most common causes of B0931 and how much does it cost to fix?

Common causes of B0931 include damaged wiring (40% likelihood), faulty airbag sensors (30%), and poor connections (20%). Repair costs typically range from $100 for wiring repairs to $600 for control module replacements. It's advisable to diagnose the specific issue before proceeding with repairs.

Can I drive my car with B0931 or should I stop immediately?

It is not safe to drive your vehicle if the B0931 code is present. The airbag system may fail in an accident, putting you and your passengers at risk. It's best to have the vehicle inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

How can I diagnose B0931 myself using GeekOBD APP?

To diagnose B0931 using the GeekOBD APP, first connect the OBD2 scanner to your vehicle's port. Use the app to read trouble codes and live data. Pay attention to any related codes that may provide additional insights and check the freeze frame data for conditions at the time the code was triggered.

What vehicles are most commonly affected by B0931?

The B0931 code is frequently found in various Ford models, particularly the 2015 to 2019 Ford F-150. Other models may also be affected, so it's essential to check specific vehicle history for known issues or recalls.

How can I prevent B0931 from happening again?

To prevent the B0931 code from reoccurring, regularly inspect your vehicle's airbag system, including wiring and connectors, for wear or damage. Ensure that any repairs are carried out promptly and consider routine maintenance checks on the airbag system during service intervals.

What is B0931?

The B0931 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicates a malfunction within the vehicle's airbag system, specifically related to the airbag sensor. This code is prevalent in various Ford models, particularly the 2015 to 2019 Ford F-150. When the airbag sensor detects an issue, it triggers the vehicle's airbag warning light, indicating to the driver that there's a potential problem that could affect the airbag deployment in the event of an accident. The implications of ignoring this code are significant; the airbag may not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Common causes of this code include damaged wiring harnesses, faulty connectors, or a defective airbag sensor itself. To ensure safety, it is crucial to address this error as soon as it appears. The repair process typically involves diagnosing the specific cause of the malfunction, which may require specialized tools like a multimeter or an OBD2 scanner to read the codes and live data. The airbag system is complex and integral to vehicle safety, hence a thorough inspection and repair by a qualified technician are recommended.

System: B - Body (Airbags, Lighting, Security, Climate Control)

Symptoms

Common symptoms when B0931 is present:

  • The airbag warning light remains illuminated on your dashboard, indicating a fault in the airbag system.
  • You may notice that the airbag system fails to activate during self-diagnostic tests, which can be concerning for safety.
  • If your vehicle is equipped with a passenger airbag off indicator, it may illuminate unexpectedly, suggesting a malfunction that could prevent airbag deployment.
  • You could experience system errors during pre-accident safety checks, which could affect insurance claims or vehicle inspections.
  • There may be a noticeable delay or failure in the vehicle's seatbelt tensioners, which work in conjunction with the airbag system.

Possible Causes

Most common causes of B0931 (ordered by frequency):

  1. The most common cause of B0931 is a damaged wiring harness, which has a likelihood of about 40%. This can occur due to wear and tear, exposure to moisture, or physical damage.
  2. Another frequent issue is a faulty airbag sensor, accounting for roughly 30% of cases. This can happen due to manufacturing defects or exposure to high temperatures.
  3. Poor connections or corroded connectors can cause a 20% occurrence rate for this code. Regular inspections of electrical connections can help prevent this.
  4. Less commonly, software glitches in the vehicle's airbag control module may generate this code, though this is rare and usually requires a software update.
  5. A rare but serious cause could be a complete failure of the airbag control module, which may need replacement if diagnosed.

B0931 Repair Costs

Cost Breakdown by Repair Type

Replace Airbag Sensor

Replacing the faulty airbag sensor can resolve the B0931 code, ensuring proper function of the airbag system.

  • Total: $150 - $300
  • Success rate: 90%
Repair Wiring Harness

Repairing or replacing damaged wiring can resolve intermittent faults leading to the B0931 code.

  • Total: $100 - $250
  • Success rate: 85%
Replace Airbag Control Module

In rare cases, replacing the airbag control module may be necessary to resolve the B0931 code.

  • Total: $300 - $600
  • Success rate: 80%
Money-Saving Tips for B0931
  • Start with the most common and least expensive repairs first
  • Use GeekOBD APP to confirm diagnosis before replacing expensive parts
  • Consider preventive maintenance to avoid future occurrences
  • Compare prices for OEM vs aftermarket parts based on your needs
  • Address the issue promptly to prevent more expensive secondary damage

Diagnostic Steps

Professional B0931 Diagnosis Process

Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose B0931. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Step 1: Step 1: Perform an initial visual inspection of the airbag system wiring and connectors to check for obvious damage or corrosion (5-10 minutes)

Step 1: Perform an initial visual inspection of the airbag system wiring and connectors to check for obvious damage or corrosion (5-10 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 2: Step 2: Use an OBD2 scanner, such as the GeekOBD APP, to retrieve the B0931 code and any associated codes, along with freeze frame data for context (10-15 minutes)

Step 2: Use an OBD2 scanner, such as the GeekOBD APP, to retrieve the B0931 code and any associated codes, along with freeze frame data for context (10-15 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 3: Step 3: Conduct component testing using a multimeter to assess the airbag sensor and wiring continuity (20-30 minutes)

Step 3: Conduct component testing using a multimeter to assess the airbag sensor and wiring continuity (20-30 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 4: Step 4: After repairs, perform a system function test to ensure all components are operational and clear the codes (10-15 minutes)

Step 4: After repairs, perform a system function test to ensure all components are operational and clear the codes (10-15 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 5: Step 5: Conduct a road test to verify the airbag system functions correctly under various conditions (15-20 minutes)

Step 5: Conduct a road test to verify the airbag system functions correctly under various conditions (15-20 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.

Important Notes

  • Always verify the repair with GeekOBD APP after completing diagnostic steps
  • Clear codes and test drive to ensure the problem is resolved
  • Address underlying causes to prevent code recurrence

Real Repair Case Studies

Case Study 1: Airbag Sensor Replacement in 2018 Ford F-150

Vehicle: 2018 Ford F-150, 45,000 miles

Problem: Customer reported airbag warning light was illuminated.

Diagnosis: Diagnostic scan revealed B0931 code. Visual inspection showed damaged wiring harness.

Solution: Replaced the airbag sensor and repaired the wiring harness.

Cost: $275 (sensor: $175, harness repair: $100)

Result: Airbag system functioned properly after repairs; warning light cleared.

Case Study 2: Wiring Harness Repair in 2016 Ford Explorer

Vehicle: 2016 Ford Explorer, 60,000 miles

Problem: Customer experienced intermittent airbag warning light.

Diagnosis: B0931 code was present; inspection revealed corroded connectors.

Solution: Replaced corroded connectors and repaired wiring.

Cost: $150 (parts and labor included)

Result: Warning light no longer illuminated; airbag system confirmed operational.

Diagnose B0931

Use GeekOBD APP for professional diagnosis!

  • Real-time data monitoring
  • Advanced diagnostic features
  • Step-by-step repair guidance
  • Professional-grade analysis
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Code Information

Code: B0931
System: Body (Airbags, Lighting, Security, Climate Control)
Severity: HIGH
Category: Body Codes