Intermittent airbag light, B1618 & B161A Codes (1 Viewer)

[bronc076]

I'm getting an intermittent airbag light on my 2015 LC. I pulled codes, at the time the light was off (just got my code reader) and I had two historical codes related to the SRS system. B161A is "Lost Communication with Front Satellite Sensor Bus", and B1618 is "Front Airbag Sensor Left Initialization Incomplete" according to autocodes.com. Commonality between the two codes is the front left airbag sensor, and of course any wiring between that sensor and the computer/srs module, whoever those sensor answer to.

So I have a couple questions. I think I've Identified the sensor near the battery. If you know, is this pic airbag sensor? There is another one just like it on the passenger side of the engine compartment so I'm pretty sure that's the sensor but confirmation from someone who knows for sure would be nice.

How often do they go bad? I'm thinking first I will disconnect the battery and clean the connection, put a little grease on it. It is by the battery so corrosion my be an issue. Just curious if these things are known to go bad or if it's just a mechanical switch triggered by impact and should last forever. it looks like it might be rivited on so I'm not sure what all is necessary to change it if it turns out to be the problem.

Thanks
Rob

 

[bronc076]

Turns out that is the airbag sensor. I cleared codes while I had no airbag light (Intermittent problem), then I unplugged it and checked codes and confirmed I had a fresh B1618 code. So I cleaned the connector, sprayed some spray lube on it and hooked it back up, no airbag light. So we will see if my airbag light comes back on. If so I’ll check part numbers and maybe swap left and right sensors if they are the same part, then see if the problem moves. That should tell me if it’s a bad part or bad wiring.

 

[bronc076]

No light till today, pulled codes again and I have B1618 again. Wondering if I should swap sensors left to right and see if the problem moves to confirm bad sensor or just drop the $100 on a new sensor.

Hmmmm

 

[bronc076]

I was was going to swap the sensors left to right. I was able to remove the nut on the troublesome sensor on the drivers side with little effort. Unfortunately the passenger side proved to be much harder to access. I didn’t feel like pulling the headlight so I decided to punt. I’d be moving the questionable sensor to side that’s hard to access. So I. put the nut back on the driver side sensor reinstalled that plastic bit between the grill and core support, and closed the hood. The next day I ordered a new sensor. That was two weeks ago and the light has not come back on. . I’m not sure if loosening and tightening the nut did it or buying the sensor, but I have a new part in my toolbox if this light ever comes on again. I love troubleshooting intermittent electrical problems! Maybe I should get an old Land Rover!