What Does B1923 Mean?
This code indicates the airbag control module has detected an electrical short to ground in the circuit responsible for clearing stored crash data from the airbag system memory. The module monitors this circuit for proper voltage and has identified an abnormally low voltage condition, suggesting the circuit is making unintended contact with ground. This prevents the system from properly managing stored crash event data and may affect normal airbag system operation.
Safety Warning
This is a critical safety concern as the airbag system may be partially or completely disabled, preventing airbags from deploying in a collision. The vehicle should not be driven until repairs are completed and the airbag system is verified operational.
Common Causes
45%
Damaged, chafed, or pinched wiring in the airbag control module harness causing direct contact with vehicle ground
30%
Failed or internally shorted airbag control module with internal circuit board damage
15%
Corroded or moisture-damaged connector pins at the airbag control module creating ground path
10%
Improper previous repair or aftermarket component installation causing circuit grounding
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of the airbag control module location (typically under driver or passenger seat, center console, or behind kick panel) for water intrusion, physical damage, or signs of previous collision repair work
2
Step 2: Disconnect the airbag control module connector and inspect for corrosion, bent pins, moisture, or foreign debris. Use electrical contact cleaner and compressed air if contamination is present
3
Step 3: Using a digital multimeter set to resistance mode, measure resistance between the memory clear circuit pin (consult vehicle-specific wiring diagram) and known good chassis ground with module disconnected. Reading should be infinite (open circuit); any continuity indicates a short to ground
4
Step 4: If short to ground is confirmed, inspect the entire wiring harness from the ACM connector to any junction points, checking for pinched wires under seats, damaged insulation at routing points, or contact with sharp metal edges
5
Step 5: If wiring harness shows no visible damage and tests normal, perform ACM internal short test by measuring resistance between the suspect circuit pin and the module ground pin at the connector with module disconnected. Low resistance indicates internal module failure
6
Step 6: After repair (wiring repair or module replacement), clear codes, perform airbag system self-test using scan tool, and verify airbag warning light extinguishes and system returns to normal operation
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $1,200
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates the airbag control module has detected an electrical short to ground in the circuit responsible for clearing stored crash data from the airbag system memory. The module monitors this circuit for proper voltage and has identified an abnormally low voltage condition, suggesting the...
The most common cause of B1923 (Air Bag Memory Clear Circuit Short To Ground) is: Damaged, chafed, or pinched wiring in the airbag control module harness causing direct contact with vehicle ground
Typical repair costs for B1923 range from $150 to $1,200, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
This is a critical safety concern as the airbag system may be partially or completely disabled, preventing airbags from deploying in a collision. The vehicle should not be driven until repairs are completed and the airbag system is verified operational.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B1923 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Supplemental Restraint System (Airbag System)
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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